All Whites goalkeeper Max Crocombe has rejected a contract offer from his English club and will become a free agent at the end of June.
English League Two club Grimsby Town have confirmed Auckland-born Crocombe (29) will leave the club, having played every minute of the club’s last season with 19 clean sheets in 59 games.
Crocombe, who is currently with the All Whites in Stockholm for Saturday’s friendly international against Sweden, said:
“I had a good chat with the manager and it’s nice that I’m able to leave on good terms. It’s been a great environment to play my football over the last two seasons and it’s been an absolutely amazing ride.
“When I signed, I don’t think anyone would have predicted how much success we were going to have as a club during that time. It was amazing to play my small part in those achievements.”
Manager Paul Hurst told Grimsby Live:
“Max informed me yesterday that he’s decided to turn our offer down. He leaves us on good terms, though, as we both have a lot of respect for each other, but we couldn’t quite come to an agreement, and unfortunately, that’s football sometimes which we both understand.
“He certainly played his part in the success we had over the last couple of seasons and helped create a lot of memories that we all share. I have nothing but good things to say about Max and I’ll certainly be watching with interest for the rest of his career. We would like to thank Max for his efforts in a Grimsby Town shirt and wish him well for the future.”
‘Grimsby Town will always hold a special place in my heart’
Crocombe sent a message to fans via social media, saying:
“I want to thank everyone for their support during my time with the club. My teammates, who I created such great bonds with. The staff, who have been brilliant from top to bottom – the gaffer, Doigy, Greg Howard, Steve Croudson, Jason, Andrew and Debbie and everyone else behind the scenes.
“And finally, the supporters, who have followed us up and down the country to support their team. They are a credit to themselves and the town.
“I’d like to wish the club the very best of luck for the future. Grimsby Town will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand Football’s former head of high performance, Gareth Jennings, has been appointed to the board of Grimsby Town.
The club says Jennings will act as an advisor “to bring a wealth of strategic football knowledge”.
READ MORE: Former NZ Football high performance chief lands role with English club >>>>
Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday June 17, 2023
Sweden v All Whites
Friends Arena, Soina, Stockholm, 5am (NZT)
Game to be played on Tuesday June 20, 2023
Qatar v All Whites
Generali Arena, Vienna, 4am (NZT)
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