Olly Hotchkiss leaves Ryhope to join Division One rivals Bishop Auckland

The former Leeds United and Garforth Town player joined Ryhope in 2018 after spending time as manager of Division Two clubs Durham City and Washington.

He has become a key figure in Gary Pearson and Chris McCabe’s plans after returning to full fitness following a short time away from the game – but his time at Ryhope will now come to an end after he opted for a second spell with Bishop Auckland.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Ryhope confirmed that Hotchkiss agreed terms with the Two-Blues on Friday, but still did “one final favour” for Pearson by making a final appearance in Saturday’s FA Vase win at Campion.

The statement read: “It is a testament to his professionalism and desire to play one final match for the club and good friend and manager Gary Pearson, Olly made the trip down to Bradford to join his teammates as one final favour for the squad at the request of Gary due to limitations of squad availability.

“Originally happy to be a body on the bench, Olly was put in the starting eleven following a pull-up in the warm-up, putting on a fine show to assist the team in a four-goal thriller whilst earning his seventh assist this season!

“Olly had already agreed terms with Bishop prior to the game on Friday night and moves there for a new challenge.

“He made his farewells in the dressing room following our win on Saturday as Gary made the announcement to the squad.

“Leaving Campion in tears, Olly described his two and a half years at CW as brilliant and as he said his goodbyes to the management and committee, he leaves with the gate wide open for a return if he chooses, as joint-manager Gary Pearson reminds him, he is always welcome back to CW.

“All at the club would like to wish Olly all the best in his move to Bishop Auckland and thank him for his two and a half years’ service.”

Hotchkiss could make his Bishop Auckland debut in Tuesday night’s visit to Consett.