‘Once a Rock, always a Rock’ – popular skipper Davies ends nine-year spell at Bognor Regis Town

Davies – club captain last season – took to social media to speak fondly of his nine years at Nyewood Lane.

The former Portsmouth youngster made 264 appearances (14 as a substitute) for Bognor and in doing so scored 10 goals.

Versatile Davies, 27, played mainly as a full-back and in midfield and became recognised as a hard-working performer willing to deliver battling displays that endeared him to supporters, even if last season ended in relegation from the Isthmian premier division.

It is thought that he is a target for ambitious AFC Portchester, crowned Wessex League premier division champions last term and who will play step four football this season in the same division as Bognor, the Isthmian South Central division.

On X, formerly Twitter, the combative schemer wrote: "Disappointed but I’ll keep this short and sweet! This is not quite the way I pictured leaving, but unfortunately, I have made the tough decision to move on for various reasons. It's now the right time for a new challenge.

"I'd like to thank all of the supporters in particular for my time at the club, from my initial loan spell to a permanent move over the last 10 years. You have treated me like one of your own and I'd like to think I gave my all for the club through good and bad times in return. I've made some great friends and I'll cherish some great days at the club. I won't be a stranger, once a Rock always a Rock."

Joint boss Michael Birmingham said he tried to persuade the diminutive warrior to stay but that he respected his decision to quit.

He added: “We tried everything we could to keep him. He is a great character; I've known Calvin for many, many years. He is going to be missed. He is a leader but he felt the time was right to try elsewhere.

"He has been loyal to the club. He would always give you everything, even when he is having a bad game, he will always give you everything,

"It's a sad day and I respect his decision, although I don't agree with it! I have nothing but the utmost respect for Calvin and I think everyone at Bognor would also agree that he is going to be a big loss. I want to wish him all the very best of luck and if he is in our league hopefully he will have two bad games and that is against us -- and there is a good chance he will be suspend for those games as well!

“When me and Jamie (Howell) took over last year he did nothing but back us and support us, be in our corner... and we would like to thank him from the bottom of our hearts for everything.”

Meanwhile, the Rocks are holding a player announcement event to reveal the squad for the new season in the Isthmian South Central division. There will also be a wider club update on season tickets, and the upcoming 3G pitch installation at 7pm in Seasons at Nyewood Lane on Tuesday, June 17.

CALVIN DAVIES FACT FILE:

Debut 2/2/2016 v Leiston (H) Isthmian Premier. Second half substitute for Alex Parsons.

First start 9/2/2016 v Sutton United (H) FA Trophy 3rd Round Replay.

First goal 30/10/2018 v Bracknell Town (H) FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round Replay.

First league goal 26/3/2022 v Margate (H). He then scored 2 more the following week away to Hornchurch.

Final appearance 26/4/2025 v Hendon (A) Isthmian Premier.

Final goal 13/1/2024 v Hashtag United (A) Isthmian Premier.

Sent off four times: 14/10/2017 v Oxford City (A) FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round; 10/2/2018 v Chippenham Town (A) National South; 15/4/2023 v Hastings United (A) Isthmian Premier; 7/12/2024 v Dartford (A) Isthmian Premier.

*Additional reporting Andrew Relton.