We can confirm that club legend Zak Ansah has this evening departed the MBS Stadium, after helping fire the club to promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Having joined the club in following after his release from Hythe Town, Zak went on to make a century of appearances in the Herne Bay blue, bagging himself 57 goals along the way.

Last season, a campaign which saw us gain promotion through the play-offs, beating Ashford United 2-0 in the final, the dynamic forward was awarded the Golden Boot after scoring a total of 25 goals from 46 appearances.

Speaking of his departure, HBFC manager Ben Smith was glowing in praise for the man who was his second signing since taking charge of the team.

"It is with real sadness to see Zak leave the football club, he is an unbelievable player and very humble person.

"He leaves as a club legend and in my opinion, one of HBFC’s greats.

"Football is of course a team sport and we had a fantastic squad of players last season, but Zak was the difference over the course of the season.

"We thank him for unbelievable service and loyalty when many players would have left for one of the much bigger offers he had throughout his time with us."

Everyone at Herne Bay FC would like to take this opportunity to thank Zak for everything he has done for this football club and wish him nothing but the best going forward.