SOME 20 years after making his senior debut with the Blaenavon Blues as a wet behind the ears 16-year-old, club captain Steve White recently announced he is standing down as a first team player.

White, who has captained the Blues for the past eight years and who is affectionately known as 'Lips' amongst his peers, started his career in junior football, before progressing into the Blues first team and experiencing Welsh League football as a sixteen-year-old.

When asked about his time with his beloved club, White revealed, "I've experienced both highs and lows, but all in all there were far more highs."

White who has remained one of the Blues' most consistent and fittest players, was also joint player/manager for a two year period.

When asked his reasons for stepping down, White felt that his commitments away from Blaenavon Blues - namely his son Dominic gaining a further contract at Bristol City - meant he felt unable to commit to another season of senior football.

However, White plans to continue playing with the Blues reserves and use his experience to guide the talent graduating through the Blues system into the first team.

A spokesperson for the Blues told the Chronicle, "In an age when loyalty to any one club is not particularly high on the agenda of most football players - wether they play at professional or grassroots level - it is amazing to see a player who has been with the same club for twenty years."

The Blaenavon Blues committee would like to thank White for all his commitment and hard work and hope he remains part of the club for many years to come.

The Blaenavon Blues are also currently looking to recruit a chairman and vice chairman, alongside general committee members.

This old and ambitious club will be moving to a new purpose build ground in August 2010 with the aim of returning to the Welsh league.

If you feel you can help guide the club towards its goals and be part of an exciting time for Blaenavon Blues then please get in contact with Matthew Cox on 07980 360976, or email the club at [email protected]">[email protected].