We are sad to announce that George Rigg will retire from playing with immediate effect.
Riggy signed for the Robins in July 2021 from Chippenham Town, describing himself as a ‘box-to-box midfielder’.
Aged twenty-seven at the time, he already had a wealth of experience behind him including spells as a Bristol City academy player, Stoke City U21s (where he trained with the likes of Michael Owen and Peter Crouch) and Exeter City.
2013 brought a move to Weymouth where one of his highlights must have been scoring against Frome before stints at Bath City and Chippenham, making over two hundred appearances at National League South level.
After a winning debut against Highworth Town in August 2021, Riggy endeared himself to the Frome faithful by notching his first goal at Melksham and was part of the team which memorably dumped Oxford City out of the FA Cup that same season.
Versatility is one of his traits, slotting seamlessly into the back line when called upon, along with dug-out duties for one victorious game against Wimborne in early 2023, making him possibly the only Frome Town manager with a 100% win rate.
His curling free kick from wide on the left in the final home league game of last season against Bristol Manor Farm had fans dreaming of the Division One South title but Wimborne had other ideas before an unlucky second yellow in the play-off semi with Mousehole meant he had to sit out the final.
His contribution throughout that momentous 23-24 season, in which appearance number one hundred for the club was clocked up at Larkhall, was immense. However, promotion to Step Three has come with a debilitating hip condition which has increasingly meant playing through the pain barrier and the need to call premature time on a distinguished playing career.
Frome Town Career Stats (as at 24/12/24):
Season Apps Goals
2021-22 32 1
2022-23 32 5
2023-24 39 3
2024-25 16 -
TOTAL 119 9
On the decision to call it a day, Riggy spoke warmly of his Badgers Hill stint: "I just want to say a massive thank-you to Frome Town Football Club for such great happy memories which will stay with me forever. This decision is very hard for me, but it's time to listen to my body. Thank you to Greavesy, Simmo and Derek, along with all members of the board and everyone who keeps the club ticking along, for all of their support and trust in me since joining the club.
"To all my teammates during my time here, thank you! I come away with friendships that will last a lifetime and to be part of Frome Town's history will always be something special. An amazing club with such great potential for the future. A last thanks to each and every one of you supporters who have cheered me and the team on. Our promotion together last season will always sit close to my heart."
"I'll be back to support the boys so see you all soon."
Danny Greaves praised his departing midfielder: "We knew what a big and important signing Riggy would be when we managed to bring him across from Chippenham three years ago. The plan was to deliver a promotion and we did it. But more than that, Riggy helped us build a professionalism and hig performing culture into the group and a desire to win. That desire has been shown in abundance recently when continuing to battle on and play through the pain. That pain was visible for me to see, but he just gritted his teeth and got through it. It's a lesson to us all, to enjoy the game while we can. Thank you and all the best, Riggy!"
Chairman, Derek Graham, provided his thoughts on the news: "I am sad to hear that George has decided to retire from competitive football because of his long-term hip injury. His CV before joining us was truly fantastic, including Stoke City U21s, Exeter City, Chippenham Town and Bath City. He played in various positions for us over the years and never let us down. He was a major influence in our promotion last year and his experience will be sadly missed. Hopefully we will still see him supporting our club whenever he gets the chance. Best of luck for the future!"
His fellow players lauded their No.8, with captain Sam Teale leading the tributes: "One of the best blokes on and off the pitch that you will ever come across. Lucky enough to have been able to share the last few years with one of my best friends. The plan when we got you to sign was always to get promoted which we achieved. The car school and the changing room won't be the same without you, mate!"
Pierce Mitchell also spoke warmly of the committed midfielder: "Riggy! Where to start!? It's been an absolute pleasure to share a pitch with you over the last three years, my man! A great player on the field, but also a true friend off it! Going to miss playing your side and also those crazy car school moments. A legend!"
Thanks for the memories, Riggy!
Stats and words provided by Steve Jupp, BA11's Club Historian!
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Zeb - that's an excellent send off for Riggy. it's such a shame as Riggy still had plenty of high quality football left in him. He played some super games for us this season , especially in that role just in front & also behind of the back four. His anticipation of where the ball may end up was brilliant. On another occasion I recall him in midfield , slowing things down and hardly wasting a ball the whole time he was on the pitch - encouraging his teammates to pass the ball - that's experience for you?
Who'd have thought we would loose four such excellent players : in Reece, Jono, Smudger and now Riggy, all before the…
Thanks Riggy, you have made such a contribution to Frome Town and helped the Team progress. Hope your hip doesn't give you too much gip.