IT is the end of an era for Accrington Stanley kitman Naz Ali, who leaves the club after 14 years to reunite with former Reds player, and manager, Leam Richardson at Wigan Athletic.

Ali first joined the club as a steward and went on to become the club's assistant kitman for Stanley's first season back in the Football League, before taking on the role full-time.

He has been described by manager John Coleman as an "integral part of the team".

But Ali, who also has a masters degree in law, has done his washed his last load for the Reds as he takes up his new role at Wigan ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

"It's with a heavy heart I leave Accrington Stanley," he said.

"The highs have been winning League Two in 2018 and the lows the 8-2 loss at Peterborough. That game should have never gone ahead due to the rain and it was a long trip back on a Tuesday night.

"I just want to thank John Coleman and Jimmy Bell for giving me the opportunity 14 years ago, which has given me so many memories which I will always cherish, but now I fell the time is right for a new challenge."

Stanley boss Coleman said: "Naz is a great lad, he has been an integral part of the team, a fantastic personality and we are all sorry to see him go."