Unfortunately we must announce the departure of two players from the football club. Declan Brown and Mark Stafford have both parted ways with the club in order to pursue more football.

Goalkeeper Declan Brown is set to return to his former stomping grounds Queen’s, where he had joined Glenavon from last summer.

Former Linfield defender Mark Stafford also joined the Lurgan Blues in July. He too returns to a former club in the form of Ballinamallard United.

Glenavon Media spoke to both players, who sent their thanks to the club.

Declan Brown

I would like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity and also the coaching staff for it. I just felt it was time to move on – at my age I just wanted to play a bit more. I would’ve loved to have been here at a younger age to stay for a bit longer and learn as much as I could off Jonny and all the boys round me, but unfortunately it’s not my time, and I’d like to thank everybody at the club for having me and I wish them all the best in the future.

Mark Stafford

I just want to thank Adrian, the board and Gary for giving me the opportunity to play for Glenavon. It just hasn’t worked out obviously and I haven’t got playing as many minutes as I’d have liked. It’s just one of them things in football, i’ve been very lucky in my career to have played a lot of games, so I can’t have too many complaints. Football doesn’t owe you anything. I came here and gave it my best and it hasn’t worked out, so I’m looking forward to the new challenge and I wish Glenavon and all the other boys all the best for the rest of the season.