Weston-super-Mare AFC have announced the departure of talismanic midfielder Lloyd Humphries to National League club Eastleigh FC.

Humphries first joined The Seagulls in 2016 as a 19-year-old, arriving on loan from Cardiff City before playing the rest of the 2016/17 season at Weston.

He then returned to The Optima Stadium on another loan deal in 2020 before making the deal permanent later in the year.

Since becoming a full-time Weston player Humphries has become an integral part of Scott Bartlett’s squad, delivering composure and quality for his manager at every time of asking.

In fact, Humphries became so reliable that during the most 2023/24 season he played in every single minute, every single second of Weston’s 46 game league season. That is 4140 of a possible 4140 minutes, an unbelievable achievement for a player at any level of the game, let alone one at the rough and tumble end of the National League South.

He also became a fan favourite and serial award winner, taking home the most Man of the Match across three seasons, the First Team Players’ Player of the Year in 22/23, and the Supporters’ Player of the Season in 22/23 and 23/24.

After Humphries’ departure, Seagulls manager Scott Bartlett paid tribute to the midfielder.

He said: “Lloyd has been absolutely superb for me and the club. Had it not been for the two covid seasons he would have returned to full time football a lot sooner than now.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him, as a person and player. He has never given anything other than 100% effort and quality. He will be missed around the place.

“Naturally, we wanted to keep Lloyd but we have been lucky to have him this long. His contribution has been outstanding.

“He goes with our very best wishes. It’s yet another player we have moved into full time football which is something we can all be proud of.”

After leaving the club Humphries also added:

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me and the team throughout my time here.

“You’ve created some great atmospheres in some of my most memorable games as a player and made some personal friends with you along the way.

“I feel like I have made a really strong connection with the club in this period and it has been a really tough decision to leave, but it is an opportunity I feel like I have had to take.

“I have got to play football with my best friends and made some of the best memories of my life with them on and off the pitch!

“The main reason for creating an environment that myself and all the players have enjoyed playing in so much is mainly due to the management and the board who I’d also like to say a massive thank you.

“I really hope the club can kick on this season and achieve something special."