Jake Moult waved an emotional farewell to Altrincham fans at The J.Davidson Stadium on Sunday but pledged: “I’ll be back.”

The long-serving skipper led his side to an 11-1 win against an Altrincham XI in a testimonial staged to mark a decade of sterling service highlighted by his role as the cornerstone of the Robins’ spectacular revival under Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel.

After playing the full 90 minutes and seeing his young sons Archie and Jude go on as substitutes in the second half and score a goal apiece in a fantastic afternoon’s entertainment, Moult saluted the fans, particularly at the Golf Road End, where a flag in his honour took pride of place.

But, though he won’t be pulling on the red and white stripes again, the combative midfielder made it clear Alty haven’t seen the last of him.

“This isn’t goodbye as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “The first result I always look for is Alty’s. I know that probably sounds a bit of a cliche, an ex-player saying he always looks for his old club’s results, but, hand on heart, it’s true.

“I never had a team, growing up, never supported Stoke City, Liverpool or anyone else, but such is the attachment I developed with this club over the years, I now class myself as an Alty fan.

“Once my Saturdays are freed up, whenever that might be, I will 100 per cent be getting along to cheer the lads on here at Alty.

“I knew I’d miss the place, but just how much has taken me by surprise. Honestly, I’ve missed the club no end over the past 12 months. I’ve missed being out on the pitch, the people who run it, the style of play and the fans.”