SALFORD CITY skipper Chris Lynch won’t be joining the club in the National League North after agreeing to move down under and sign for Murray United.
Despite being injured for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier play-offs, Lynch was a key part of the Salford squad that finished third in the league before winning promotion, beating Workington 3-2 in the promotion final.
The centre-half also captained the Ammies as they beat Notts County in the FA Cup live on the BBC before taking Hartlepool United to a replay.
Lynch helped the club to promotion from the Evo-Stik NPL North last season after signing in the summer of 2014 from Ashton United and was named manager and supporters’ player of the season following their latest celebration.
However, following two successful seasons with Salford, Lynch will be moving on and has signed for Australia’s Murray United.
Murray play in the NPL Victoria 2 East – the third-tier in Australia – and Lynch will be turning out alongside former Salford player Ashley Dunn.
Lynch, who scored nine times in 100 Ammies appearances, said: “I’m really excited to join Murray United. It’s a new challenge in my career and one that I can’t wait to get started on.
“I’ve had two very successful season at Salford City, my home town club, so it was very hard to leave but the opportunity to bring my family to Australia and also to be a part of the project that Murray have here was too good to pass up.
“Once I spoke to James Coutts (manager) about his vision for the club, I wanted to be a part of it. The chance to link up with Dunny (Ashley Dunn) also excited me as we played together back at Salford.
“I can’t wait to get started and hope I can repay the faith in me with my performances and help Murray get where they want to be.”
Salford joint-boss Anthony Johnson added: “Having Lynchy here as captain already made mine and Bernard (Morley)’s job that much easier.
“We had a quick chat with him after taking over (January 2015) and it was plain to see that his approach to captaining a side fitted in perfectly with our style of management.
“Despite the bad luck of being injured for the play-offs, Lynchy didn’t feel sorry for himself – he was great in the dressing room and around the lads. He’s the best captain I’ve ever worked with and his determination and attitude rubbed off on the other lads.”
