Ash Webster has paid tribute to his former clubs and team-mates as he sets off to start a new life in Australia, writes Dave Norton.

The Peel striker, arguably one of the finest goalscorers in Manx Premier League history, left the Isle of Man yesterday (Monday) to emigrate Down Under with his family after 16 years living in the island since moving from Yorkshire.

The livewire forward enjoyed a fine career in Manx football having played for Ramsey, Laxey and Peel as well as the Isle of Man FA representative side, most notably helping Peel clinch the FA Cup last year with a dramatic extra-time winner.

Speaking to the Isle of Man Examiner about the move, Ash said: ’We went on holiday there last year to see what all the fuss was about and absolutely fell in love with the place. It has obviously been a very difficult decision to leave our close family and friends behind but we’re hoping it will provide a better future for me, my partner and our two boys.’

Looking back, there was only one sport that Webster was interested in pursuing: ’Football has definitely always been my first love. I remember my dad taking me to games in all weather when we lived in England as soon as I was old enough to play junior football.

’I also played cricket, when I was younger but definitely lost enthusiasm for it as I grew older.

’I started out at Ramsey and learnt my trade in the combination there, then broke into the first team at full-back and managed to work my way to my natural position as striker.

’I then moved on to Laxey in an attempt to further my ability as a striker and with the hope of winning some silverware, which unfortunately didn’t come at club level but I was fortunate enough to win IoMFA Player of the Year while with the Miners.

’After that I moved to Peel to join Falcy (Steve Falconer) again who I had enjoyed working with at Laxey, again with the intention of winning some silverware which finally came in the form of the FA Cup last season.

’All three are brilliant clubs and have played a massive part in my development as a footballer, for which I’d like to thank them. From managers and coaches, to players who I have played alongside, as well as supporters and people involved in the running of the clubs.

’My favourite team-mates at Ramsey were probably the main core of the squad as it was my hometown and friends who I’d known through school and training with the first team as a junior.

’At Laxey I enjoyed good strike partnerships with Lee Cowley and Mark Wolfenden over the five seasons, while Johnny Callow was great to play with as he could make things happen out of nothing.

’Obviously at Peel my partnership with Josh Kelly for the previous two seasons was very good and we got on well off the pitch - for which we took a lot of stick from the lads for being inseparable!

’Playing with Daniel Bell was also enjoyable, his vision is incredible and he sees passes and runs that not many others do.

’This season has been a very strange one both personally and for Peel as a club. As a club we lost both Josh Kelly and Lee Gale early on in the season who were obviously instrumental last season, as well as the well-documented pitch problems, neither of which helped our cause to push St George’s again.

’On a personal level I suffered an ankle injury in pre-season and missed the first five or six games.

’Fortunately though, I’ve managed to find myself in the right place at the right time in games and scored quite a few goals which has been good personally.’

Such have been his exploits this season that he has won the Golden Boot award.

So what has been the highlight for the former Ramsey Grammar School student?

’In club football winning the FA Cup last season was very special. It meant a great deal to a lot of people in the club and the supporters as well as Falcy and all the players. And the night out in Peel that followed was testament to how much it meant to everybody.

’The winning goal was pretty special: Gale put it on a plate for me and that feeling when it hit the net and the fans came on the pitch was unbelievable.

’But my favourite goal would have to be the bicycle kick this season against Ramsey at the Bowl’ - a strike which gained more than 1,500 hits on the club’s official Youtube channel.

As well as his exploits at club level, Webster also earned 12 caps for the IoMFA side - most of which came in the Island Games - and boasts an impressive return of seven goals in those dozen matches.

’For the Isle of Man, the Island Games in 2015 was a magnificent experience. Unfortunately the gold medal was just a bridge too far, but everybody in the squad performed excellently to ensure we got the silver medal.

’Playing in front of thousands against Jersey was a feeling I’ll probably never experience again.’