Ramsbottom United are saddened to announce that striker Jamie Rainford has decided to leave the club with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old returned to Rammy at the start of the 2021/22 season having made 26 appearances (22 starts and four substitutes) in the 2018/19 campaign under Chris Willcock – his last appearace was the divisional play-off semi-final defeat at Radcliffe.

Rainford scored 18 goals during that spell and returned, after a short spell on Merseyside with Widnes and Prescot Cables, to team up with new Rammy boss Lee Donafee – who he had worked with at Glossop North End and his first spell at Rammy.

The prolific striker made four starts and six appearances off the bench, scoring four goals – including the Rams’ only successful strike, from the penalty spot, in their last four matches – in the 2-1 reverse at Prescot Cables in mid-September in which time the Rams have gone 296 minutes scoreless.

Feeling that he had unfinished business with the Rams, Rainford’s return was a heralded one and the club were very excited to have him back in their colours.  However, with the season just 11 games old, he has decided to move on for a second time.

Manager Lee Donafee was naturally very disappointed to lose a player he knew well, worked with previously and had looked forward to working with going forward.

“Jamie has decided to move on and I can only wish him all the best in his next opportunity,” Donafee stated to RamsbottomUnited365.  “I thank him for his efforts and commitment while he was at the club.”

Everyone at Ramsbottom United wishes him well in his future endeavours as he hunts down a fourth club since the start of 2020.