FA Trophy-winning captain Ralph leaves Southend

Southend United players, led by captain Nathan Ralph, celebrate lifting the FA Trophy at WembleyGetty Images

Nathan Ralph and his Southend team-mates lift the FA Trophy at Wembley

Nathan Ralph, the first Southend United captain to lift a domestic trophy, will leave the National League club when his contract expires next month.

The 33-year-old led the Shrimpers to victory in the FA Trophy final, in which they beat Wealdstone at Wembley earlier this month.

In total, he has made 202 appearances for Southend, scoring 13 goals, and has been skipper since 2022.

"Everyone at Southend United would like to thank Ralph for his contributions and long service," a club statement said.

Ralph came through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town and Peterborough United, making his senior debut while on loan at Kettering Town in 2012.

He went on to play for Yeovil Town, Aldershot Town, Woking and Dundee, before signing for Southend in July 2019.