Rye skipper steps aside

Rye’s captain is unlikely to feature for the foreseeable future and whether he returns at all remains to be seen.

The situation is very similar to that of Scott Ramsay, who was last seen in a Rye shirt at the end of September.

Rye manager Scott Price said: “He knows I want him to stay and he knows the door’s open to him. A couple of other players have rung him and text him trying to get him back, but the ball’s in his court.

“He says he’s going to take a complete break at the moment. Last time I spoke to him he said he’s not interested (in playing) still. He’s got quite a young family and he’s struggling to get his kids looked after on a Saturday.”

Club website manager and font of all knowledge Richard King confirmed that Loft has played more games for Rye than anybody else having made over 400 appearances, and that he is probably the club’s leading scorer with around 200 goals.

Loft, 35, was a striker earlier in his career, and also had spells at the likes of Hastings Town (now United), St Leonards, Dartford, Ashford Town (now United), St Leonards and Eastbourne Town.

He has achieved a clutch of honours with Rye, the latest of which was the Sussex RUR Charity Cup in April. But he was sent-off on his last appearance against Peacehaven & Telscombe on Tuesday, last week.

See tomorrow’s Rye Observer for the full article. The Rye United FC Clubhouse will be open for refreshments during the Rye Bonfire on Saturday night.