An unknown incident proved to be the final straw for Bootle FC ‘fan favourite’ Ben Hodkinson as he parted ways with the club following a breakdown in the relationship with former Tranmere player Steve McNulty
After scoring 48 goals in 106 appearances, the prolific striker has left the club in favour of Northern Premier League outfit, Marine FC.
In an interview with Off The Park, the Bucks manager McNulty offered some details of Hodkinson’s unhappiness and subsequent switch:
“It’s common knowledge we all had a few drinks after a great win on Saturday - a bit of banter, he thought it crossed the line. I’ve apologised for that, but, unfortunately, Ben didn’t accept.”
Bootle, who declined the ECHO’s approach for comment, are yet to clarify what occurred between the 27-year-old and play-off winning defender.
Leading up to the incident, prior to a fixture with Macclesfield, Hodkinson would disclose his frustrations with the club, citing a lack of game time guarantees and the need for a ‘new challenge’.
Insisting there was a ‘plan’ and expressing his desire to keep the star man, McNulty would convince Hodkinson to stick around for the following weeks.
However, the incident on Saturday have been a breaking point for the 27-year-old finisher, who’d submit a transfer request shortly after.
“No player is bigger than the club”, McNulty continued. “I won’t guarantee any player that (game time), no matter who they are, what division they’ve come from, how long they’ve been at the club - it’s not the way I work.
“[...] From the games he’s been available for (this season), he started 21, made three appearances from the bench and was unused once.
“So as far as that goes, I can’t be any fairer or straight with that - people have obviously made their minds up. There’s nothing I can do with that, and I wish him all the best.
"[...] There will never be any guarantees, he’s took it on himself to leave so I’ll never keep a player at the club who doesn’t want to be here. If that's how he feels, then that’s how he feels. He’ll have a lot of clubs interested because he’s a good player, but it’s disappointing to lose your top goalscorer.
Also speaking to Off The Park, the departing Hodkinson left a remorseful goodbye to the Bootle supporters:
“I’m gutted that my time at Bootle has come to an end, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Vesty Road. [...] I’m disappointed it has come to an end after an internal matter, but, sadly, I can’t accept an apology after what has happened. It’s best I move on.
“I’ve loved every single minute of it. The fans have been unbelievable, growing every week."
