FORMER Premier League ace Charlie Austin says he made the decision to end his full-time career after the ‘penny dropped’ while on a summer family holiday.
The 35-year-old was plucked out of Non-League by Swindon Town in 2009 and went on to make over 500 appearances in all top four divisions of the pyramid, for six different clubs, as well as a stint in Australia with Brisbane Roar.
Now the popular striker-turned-Sky Sports pundit has conceded his playing future belongs back in the part-time game and has linked up for the 2024-25 season with Southern Premier South promotion hopefuls AFC Totton.
Opportunities
Austin’s career peaked during three successful years at Southampton – and it was another former Saints striker who lured him back to the south coast at the Test-wood Stadium, the Stags’ new director of football James Beattie.
“Beatts got in touch with me in May and asked me about my situation, what I was thinking of doing,” the former Burnley, QPR and West Brom striker told the Daily Echo.
“I told him I still wanted to play in the Football League but it was about what opportunities would arise throughout the summer.
“I went on holiday and we stayed in contact, before it came to a point where he just asked me if I wanted to come down and train, they knew I had been training on my own.
“I said I wasn’t too sure but I went away on one last family holiday and the penny dropped, I just rang him and told him I wanted to do the deal.
“I think it was more along the family lines, I know where I am physically and mentally.
“I just wanted to spend more time with family. I do football with my son, training midweek, and it’s something I didn’t want to miss out on.”
Loyalty
Hungerford-born Austin first made his name as a youngster at Poole Town and is a regular visitor to both grounds when not in action himself.
Now he is set to turn out against both clubs for Totton this season and although he admits they will always hold a place in his heart, Austin says his loyalty now lies with his new club.
“(Deciding to join) was simple, there was no glitz or glamour in it, but the patience the club has shown has been brilliant and I am really appreciative of that,” he added.“Now it’s about playing with a smile on my face and helping the football club.”
