PRESTATYN Town talisman Michael Parker has issued an emotional statement after confirming his departure from the club.

The talented midfielder leaves the Seasiders after a glittering 13-year career that saw him emerge from the Academy system to develop into one of the most gifted players at his position in the Welsh pyramid.

After The Journal initially reported the news yesterday, Parker broke his silence and paid tribute to everyone associated with the club that have been part of his memorable journey for more than a decade.

He said: “Thank you to everyone involved with Prestatyn FC and the Prestatyn community. “Thank you to all the hard-working volunteers, Gibbo, Gaz Willow, players past/present, chairmen past/present, board, academy staff/players, and all the supporters for sharing the journey with me.

“It's been a fantastic 13 years full of high and lows.

“The best thing about it was proving the nay-sayers wrong, the ones that didn't want us to be successful and the ones that said it couldn't be done. We did it.

“Went unbeaten, won leagues, represented in the highest league Welsh Football has to offer for majority of my Prestatyn days, won the Welsh Cup, won other trophies, won in Europe. The memories will last forever.

“Very sad to be leaving my hometown club, but will look forward to new challenges ahead.

“Thank you Prestatyn and for everyone's continued support. Good luck to the club for the coming season.”

The midfielder is set to link-up with former boss Neil Gibson at Connah’s Quay along with fellow Town star Noah Edwards after turning down a move to Llandudno.

It leaves another huge hole to fill for the club ahead of their return to the Huws Gray Alliance after a number of high-profile departures and the retirement of Dave Hayes.

Club CEO Leigh Williams, added: "It is a sad day to see Michael leaving his home town club for somewhere new. Mike is the last of the players who started out on our journey with us all those years’ back.

“Super Mike has he is known to the fans, has made over 200 appearances in a Prestatyn shirt scoring some important goals for the club.

“I would like to go on record and thank Michael for everything you have done on and off the field.”