We can confirm that Dave Winfield has departed the Clarets.
Dave re-joined the Clarets in July 2021 after a previous spell between October and December 2019. In November 2021, he was named club captain and lead the side to survival at the end of the 21/22 season. Following on from that, he played an instrumental part in the sides playoff in the 22/23 season, as he played 45 times in all competitions and scored the goal which secured playoff status, away to Cheshunt in a 2-1 victory.
Last season, Dave Winfield was also a key part of the side’s success. Partnered with Luke Jenkins at the back, he helped the side achieve the second best defence in the league. It was a record breaking season all round, as the Clarets secured a record highest finish (2nd) and a record points tally (84).
Dave made a combined 117 appearances for the Clarets, scoring 7 goals for the club.
Manager Robbie Simpson said: “I have got such a big thank you to say to Dave.
3 and a bit years ago, when I asked Dave to come to the football club, I explained the new philosophy and explained how it was going to be tough as he was going to be playing with a bunch of inexperienced kids essentially and how I needed him to be a real leader and to buy in and be patient.
I told him that we would eventually get the success that he was craving and I think he surprised a lot of people by agreeing to it and sticking with it.
He could have easily jumped ship every season to a different side that was more experienced, on more money.
But, he truly believed in what we were trying to do and no one has sacrificed more than him, both on and off the pitch.
He travelled in every single time from the furthest point in Kent and did not miss a training session or a game, even when he was injured or suspended – he just showed absolute sacrifice, dedication and commitment to the cause.
He was an extension of me in the changing room, and on the pitch and he helped untoldly in setting the culture of the football club and the culture within the playing group, which counts for so much.
We are going to miss him, he is going to be a big loss but right now it is about thanking him for everything that he has done for this football club and wishing him the very best and undoubtedly he will be closer to home and be able to dedicate more time there and to work as well; he deserves that.
We are incredibly thankful for everything he has done and from me personally, I am so thankful to him for being so committed and believing in our vision so much and indeed implementing it.
A big thank you and we wish him well, we will see each other again I am sure.”
Dave Winfield also gave one last message to the Clarets fans: “I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all involved and associated with the club since I joined.
To make the memories with all involved and all that supported was something truly special.
To be given the opportunity to captain a great group of players that supported the aligned goal has been amazing and I will be forever grateful.
I hope that the memories of our success will stay for many years, it was a pleasure to have been a part of the fantastic achievements the club has had over the past few years.”
We would like to express our thanks to Dave for his efforts over the past 3 years and 117 games, you will always be welcome back at Melbourne and we wish you well for the future!
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