HAY AND ROBERTS DEPARTURES 'PURELY GEOGRAPHICAL' - HULSE

By Dave Jones on May 27, 07 03:37 PM

RHYL manager John Hulse says the reasons behind strikers Alex Hay and Paul Roberts leaving the club in the past week have been purely down to geography.
Hulse revealed the travelling distances involved in training and playing in the Welsh Premier were proving too much for both men.

Hay, 25, joined Rhyl in June 2006 from Vauxhall Motors, having played in the Football League for Tranmere Rovers and Rushden and Diamonds before later representing Altrincham and Bangor City.
He made 27 league appearances for the Lilywhites last term, plus four as substitute, and scored six goals.
Hay has now joined up with former Rhyl number two Neil Young at Unibond League outfit Cammell Laird.
"Alex has left us under no cloud whatsoever," said Hulse. "He's a special needs teacher and the distances to attend training and games were getting too much.
"My big concern for Alex was when all the strikers were fit he couldn't be guaranteed a first-team place in that position.
"He's an out-and-out striker but didn't always get the opportunity to be so at Rhyl. He only lives five or 10 minutes from where Cammell Laird play, so it's the best move for him.
"Alex looks upon football more as a hobby now, his job means a lot to him, and I wish him all the best."
Hulse added the same situation applied to Paul Roberts, who lives in Criccieth, near Porthmadog, where he started his career.
"I talked things out with Paul and really it was the same reasons as with Alex, the travelling was proving difficult. He told me he'd enjoyed his time at Rhyl and wished he'd come here years ago.
"I could never guarantee Alex or Paul a first-team place, although I stress neither demanded one. I've always been the same as a manager, I've never guaranteed anyone a regular place."