We can regretfully confirm that two of the Peacocks’ title-winning squad have decided to leave the Cygnet Health Care Stadium for pastures new. Centre half Ben Adelsbury and forward Dan Sullivan have moved on after each spending five fantastic seasons at the club and making major contributions to our success.
Ben joined the Peacocks in the summer of 2017 from Truro City after previous higher level experience at Salisbury City, Eastbourne Borough and Bath City, and has adapted from a former midfield role to become a mainstay at the heart of the defence, not forgetting his trademark free kicks. He told tauntontown.com: “To the fans I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you. What a season it has been! My time here has come to an end because of my own decision which is not footballing or money related. The logistics of me living in Plymouth with a young family and having a professional job makes it extremely hard to do the travelling needed for the National League South. I have had a fantastic five years here and leave with good relationships with Drayer, Meaks, Vills, Connor and Kev. I wish everyone at the club all the success in your next season. I believe I have made friendships at the club that will last for a long time and again, thank you for everything.” Ben made 159 full and 12 substitute appearances for the Peacocks and scored 18 goals.
‘Sully’ meanwhile, whose former clubs include Torquay United and Truro City, also signed for the Peacocks in 2017, arriving at the Cygnet in October of that year after starring for his former team Tavistock who had knocked the Peacocks out of the FA Cup a month earlier. He established himself as a fans’ favourite, winning the Supporters Player of the Year award in his first season. He said to tauntontown.com: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved at the club. From the first day I signed I’ve enjoyed every moment and have some great memories. The fans, WOW, what can I say about them, the best in non-league. They’ve welcomed me from day one and numbers have grown every year. To the staff and players, a big thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing journey. It’s sad to be leaving but I wish you all the best of luck in the future, go set a name for yourselves in the National League South!” Dan amassed 140 full and 20 sub appearances for the club and scored 55 goals.
Head of Football Rob Dray paid tribute to them both, adding”: Two great servants have left today who started the journey towards the National League five years ago and who have been pivotal in everything we have done. Proper players and proper people. It’s totally understandable though, with the logistics of the extra travel. The squad will evolve again, as it has every season, but they will both remain a massive part of the history of this club.”
We thank Ben and Dan for their terrific service over the past five seasons and wish them both the very best of luck in the future.