Hashtag United star seals huge transfer after club ask to be relegated

A Hashtag United star has sealed a major transfer away from Step 3 of non-league football after the club formally requested to be relegated.

Hashtag wrote to the Isthmian Premier League on Wednesday asking to be demoted from the Isthmian League Premier Division regardless of their finishing position this season.

Hashtag founder Spencer Owen, in a lengthy statement, explained the decision as giving the club 'the best possible foundation for what comes next', and raised the issue of 'unsustainable' finances at every level of football.

Owen added, however, that players had been informed before the transfer registration deadline in order to find themselves new clubs before the end of the season.

Unlike in the Premier League and EFL, National League clubs have until the fourth Thursday in March at 5pm to register players, who are then eligible for the remainder of the season.

That allowed Hashtag's all-time leading goalscorer Luke May-Parrott to seal a last-minute move to Maidenhead United, who play in the National League South.

The Magpies, who play their home games at York Road, spent eight consecutive years in the National League before being relegated last season.

They are currently in fifth place in the National League South - the tier above Hashtag - as they aim to secure an immediate return to the fifth tier of English football.

Hashtag confirmed the move in an official statement on social media, congratulating May-Parrott on his rise up the divisions.

"The club is pleased to announce that striker Luke May-Parrott is the latest to have secured a move up the divisions, this time to join National League South side Maidenhead United," the statement reads.

"Throughout his tenure at the Tags the Parrott has consistently broken goalscoring records, and leaves the club as our all-time leading non-league goalscorer, netting 46 times in 112 appearances.

"Whilst the club is gutted to lose a top player like Luke, we are excited to watch the next stage of his career unfold, as he moves closer towards his ambition of full-time football.

"We'd like to wish Luke, and Maidenhead, all the best with their promotion push this season! Go and SMASH it!"

May-Parrott reached double figures for goals in all three of Hashtag's campaigns in the Isthmian League Premier Division, and had struck on 11 occasions this season before his departure.

He was the side's second top scorer this season behind Ivorian striker Evans Kouassi, who signed for fellow Isthmian Premier side Dartford on Thursday.

In response to Hashtag's post, May-Parrott wrote: "Thank you to all of the Hashtag family, appreciate the support from the moment I joined.

"Been an incredible couple of years and created countless memories and connections that will last a lifetime."