There is a tinge of sadness among players, officials and supporters of Costcutter Football League Division One champions St Dogmaels as they prepare to say goodbye to star defender over the past decade, Mindaugas Skimkevicius, who is moving to northern Europe.

The 31-year-old, who is popularly known as “Minda” and is a native of Lithuania, came to Britain ten years ago and has since worked at the James Davies Sawmills near Cenarth.

He has now obtained employment as a manager with a construction company in Sweden, which will be less than 400 miles from his Baltic state home.

During his time with the Teifi Estuary village club when scooping numerous awards, including players’ player of the year, his friendly and sporting attributes have endeared him to countless people over a wide area.

Looking back on his time in this neck of the woods Minda said: “When I came to Wales I had no idea what to expect. I have made so many great friends and absolutely loved playing for St Dogmaels.”

One of his close friends and Saints first team manager Steve Jerry Williams said: “We will all miss Minda and wish him well for the future. One thing he can be assured of is that if things don’t work out there will be a welcome for him in St Dogmaels.”