On Friday morning, the San Jose Earthquakes announced that the club had exercised their Offseason Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract on midfielder Simon Dawkins.

The English-Jamaican midfielder was first a member of the Earthquakes on loan from 2011-2012, before returning to the team as a Designated Player in 2016.

He had the following to say about his departure from the club:

“I want to start by thanking the fans that have always supported me through the good times and bad. To be able to play in front of you over the years, whether at Buck Shaw or Avaya, was a truly a privilege and I’m so appreciative of the support you showed me.

“I also want to thank my teammates for the honor of competing beside them and the Earthquakes Front Office for giving me and my family this opportunity. San Jose will always have a special place in my heart.

“After spending two seasons with the Quakes on loan and winning a Supporters’ Shield in 2012, I felt I had unfinished business and made it a priority to find my way back. And even though it didn’t work out the way I hoped, I will never regret the decision I made to return. I’ve had some of the best years of my life here in San Jose and the special people that surround the club are the reason why. I will always be appreciative and want to say one final thank you to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting during my time with the team. Go Quakes.”