Marlow see their 'lieutenant' Louis Rogers move on for pastures new

Louis Rogers, wearing the purple Marlow away strip, challenges the keeper. Photo; Steven Galvin

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Marlow midfielder Louis Rogers - described by club captain Chris Ovenden as 'the lieutenant' - has decided to leave Oak Tree Road after a hugely positive six-year period.

Rogers joined Marlow as a young player looking to make his way in men's football and has gone on to become one of the mainstays of the side.

Last season he was a key figure in the Blues' promotion via the play-offs from the Isthmian League South Central Division, however, he's decided it's time for a fresh challenge.

The Blues squad has undergone a huge amount of churn this season with many players departing for pastures new.

Manager Mark Bartley is battling to keep the club afloat in the Southern League Premier South; however, he finds the club increasingly cast adrift with Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Winchester City leaving them 11 points adrift from safety with less than half the season left to play.

Despite this, he was incredibly complimentary of Rogers for his contribution and leadership during his time at Oak Tree Road.

Recording a special message for Rogers, he said: “Since coming to the club six years ago, then a very young player trying to find his way in men’s football, he’s been nothing short of a fantastic servant for the club.

“He found his feet very quickly and settled quickly. He learnt the game and over the past couple of years he’s emerged as a leader within the changing room but also on the pitch.

“His contributions have been huge over those last few seasons, culminating in our promotion at the end of last season. As a manager, you go through cycles with your team and you have a handful of players that you look at across your time of managing, the ones that epitomize what you want as a manager and the way that you set your team out and Louis is definitely one of those for me.

“He absolutely goes with my blessing. Football is a lot about timing, a lot about the right time for people to make the right decisions.

“There’s absolutely no animosity on my side and on his side. We had a very grown-up conversation, and I wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

Rogers has yet to announce publicly where he's going next, but posted a message thanking Bartley, his teammates and the Marlow fans for their support over the past six years.

“This decision has been one of the toughest but unfortunately the time feels right to leave Marlow,” he said.

“Thank you to Mark Bartley and his backroom staff for providing me the platform to perform from such a young age and for putting the trust in me for all these years.

“Thank you to the club and all the volunteers who have put up with me over those years. Thank you to the fans whose support was relentless week in and week out.

“Thank you to all the lads who shared the pitch with me, we went to war week in week out which resulted in us winning the playoffs and promotion. The journey and memories will live with me forever. I now look forward to the next chapter and whatever it holds. Thank you, Louis.”

Club captain Chris Ovenden added: “Gutted to see the lieutenant leave. What a great guy and top footballer, been a pleasure going to war each week with you brother.

“End of an era. Good luck in the next venture”

Bottom of the table Marlow will travel to Wimborne Town on Saturday without Rogers.