Farnham Town can confirm that midfielder Joe Jackson will be leaving the Club this summer, bringing an end to a memorable three-year spell with us.
After joining the Town on the eve of the 2023/24 season from Hanwell Town, Joe made an immediate debut in the 4-0 win at Harefield United in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, the first of 144 appearances over the next three seasons – the third most of all players across that span trailing only club captain Ryan Kinnane (150) and Owen Dean (148).
Joe’s 51 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign was the most amongst all outfielders that season and came across a number of positions in defence and midfield, proving to be the squad’s Swiss army knife that could be deployed anywhere with equal quality, playing one of the most impactful roles in the squad as we completed an invincible Combined Counties Premier South campaign en route to the league title.
The following season, Joe again was one of the iron men in the squad, appearing in 44 of our 48 games across all competitions, including over 10 starts at each of right-back, left-back and central midfield throughout the campaign, providing 10 goal contributions as the Town went on to eclipse 100 points for the second successive season as we clinched the Isthmian South Central title.
Now in the Southern League Premier South, Joe’s 49 appearances again ranks within the top-five among the squad for the campaign, playing a major role in our successful promotion bid as we earned a place in the National League South next season after winning the Play-Off Final earlier this week.
One of only four players to make over 40 appearances in each of the last three seasons, the three most successful in the 120-year history of the Club, Joe is undoubtedly one of the true legends of Farnham Town and will always be revered by everyone associated with the Club for the way he conducted himself on and off the field, for the value he brought to the Club, and for the success he helped bring us.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for Joe both as a player and as a person,” manager Paul Johnson said.
“We’ve been through a lot together, first at Bedfont Sports and then here at Farnham. I chased Joe for months trying to get him to Farnham when I first came in, and I finally wore him down.
“I’m glad I didn’t take no for an answer, and I hope Joe feels the same way because these last three years have been so special for us both. We’ve achieved so much together.
“I signed Joe to play in midfield at first, but I knew he was capable of playing pretty much anywhere I asked him to. Over the last three years I pretty much have asked him to play everywhere except in goal, but I’m sure if I asked him to do it, he’d do it.
“To have a player so willing to give it their all when being asked to play a different position near enough every game is so valuable as a manager. He always delivered whatever was needed on the day, he’s never let me down.
“Joe’s such an intelligent young man and I believe he’s got a long future in the game both as a player and potentially as part of a backroom setup if he pursues it. I hope our paths cross again one day in football because he’s one of the best guys I’ve worked with in my time in non league.
“In the mean time, Joe is going to be a huge asset to his next club, and I wish him all the best with what comes next.”
Chairman Harry Hugo adds: “There aren’t enough words to surmise what Joe Jackson has done for Farnham Town over the past three years.
“Joe finally caved and took the plunge to join us on the eve of the 2023/24 season after we chased him that entire summer. I’d like to think he reflects on that moment as a good decision!
“To achieve three successive promotions from Step 5 to Step 2 is a pretty unthinkable feat in itself. To not only be one of the players who delivered that, but one of the key players at the heart of the success each and every year is even rarer.
“I’ll always think about Joe Jackson as a player who was willing to do whatever was asked of him in order to help the team. It can be forgotten he was signed as a midfielder, but injuries elsewhere meant we needed someone to fill in at centre-back, or right-back, or left-back, and Joe was always that someone.
“Whatever he was tasked with doing, Joe always stepped up to be counted on by his manager and his teammates. His performances never wavered in doing so. He was key, essential starter in three successive promotion winning teams. He is a Farnham Town legend.
“It’s always sad when players leave, but Joe leaves with our best wishes. We’ll always be indebted to him for what he’s given us over the last three years, and he’s always going to be welcomed back fondly as a fan. Whoever signs Joe this summer is getting a tremendous player and an even better person.”