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Gaz is ready for a new challenge

Simon Smedley
22/10/2008

FORMER club skipper Gareth Owen has revealed that it has been a real wrench for him to leave County, but he is more than ready for his new challenge at League One rivals Yeovil.

After a successful spell of just over two years with the Hatters, Owen left Edgeley Park last Thursday to join Yeovil on a one-month loan deal. That deal looks likely to be subsequently extended to January, at which point Owen can then join any club permanently during the transfer window.

Owen told the Express on Monday: "I’m disappointed with the way it all ended, I didn’t really want to leave County. It had become clear that I needed to move on though, I needed to seek a new challenge because I just want to play.

"I am facing a big challenge with Yeovil now, but all the lads here are okay and I’ve settled in well already.

"The manager was pleased with my debut on Saturday [the struggling Glovers lost 3-0 at Northampton], but we’ve got two massive games coming up this week against Crewe and Leyton Orient."

It had been looking on the cards that Owen would eventually leave County last month, following his clash with manager Jim Gannon after he was substituted in the second-half of the 2-2 draw at Cheltenham. Owen wasn’t punished by County chiefs for his outburst, but his relationship with Gannon had clearly been affected as he didn’t make another appearance before his departure.

It’s been an emotional period for Owen. He added: "I have had a brilliant two-and-a-bit years at County, it’s a period that probably won’t be surpassed as far as my career is concerned. I’ve had a fantastic time.

"But players come and players go in football, that’s the nature of the game.

"Wembley was undoubtedly the number one for me. To be captain of a trophy-winning team there was the stuff of dreams really.

"I’ll never forget the nine-game winning run too, then there was the Player-of-the-Year success for me.

"Achievements like that should not be taken lightly, I’m sure the County fans will remember me for all those.

"I’ve had loads of messages and texts wishing me well since Thursday, I have to admit that I have been quite emotional at times. A couple of letters have dropped in at Yeovil too, and it was reading through them that made me realise that I am not at Stockport any more, which is sad.

"Technically I am still a Stockport player of course, but the chances of me returning now do seem minimal.

"I’m looking forward to my latest challenge at Yeovil now."