End of an era as Solkhon is released by Poppies

Club legend Brett Solkhon has been released by Kettering Town.

The 38-year-old, who made his first appearance for the club back in 2003, leaves the Poppies having made 598 first-class appearances, in which he scored 118 goals.

Solkhon leads the list of players released by the Poppies which also includes Michael McGrath, who was slapped with a huge 35-match ban by the Football Association last month.

Jamie Chisholm, Sam Jones and Ben Stephens have also left Latimer Park as the Poppies look to rebuild ahead of the new National League North season, which is set to get under way on August 14.

A club statement read: “The club would like to thank all for their service and commitment to Kettering Town especially Brett Solkhonwho made 598 first class appearances since his debut in 2003, scoring 118 goals.

“Brett became Mr Kettering Town and we are sure you all have your own special memories of his time at the club. The club would like to wish all of the players the very best for the future.”

The Poppies have also confirmed that their appeal against a £2,000 fine and suspended points deduction for failing to fulfil their fixture against Chester last season has been rejected by the appeals panel.

The National League punished a number of clubs for failing to fulfil fixtures after teams downed tools following the news that loans would have to be taken out to complete last season instead of grants which clubs had previously felt they were promised would be forthcoming.

In the end, the National League North and South seasons were declared null and void.

Another club statement read: “The club were informed today that our appeal against a £2,000 fine and suspended points deduction, for failing to fulfil our fixture against Chester, has been rejected by the appeals panel.

“In addition to maintaining the previous fine and suspended points deduction the panel also applied a further charge of £1,600 towards costs.

“The club is extremely disappointed, but sadly not surprised, by this decision and have no further course of appeal. Given our feelings we will make no further comment at present.”