Vernon: I’ve had amazing career highs
FORMER Mariners’ striker Scott Vernon has reflected on his career after announcing his retirement from football.
The 38-year-old has brought down the curtain on his 22-year playing career which included spells in the English Football League and the Scottish top flight at Aberdeen.
Vernon joined Grimsby Town in 2016 and made 62 appearances during his two-year spell at Blundell Park.
In 2018 he signed for Cleethorpes Town, ending the season as joint third top scorer in The Northern Premier League Division One East.
Last season the Linden favourite bagged 14 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions and played a vital part in a team which finished third in the table.
In January he scored two successive hat-tricks at Tadcaster and a week later at Ossett.
Vernon said: “I’ve had some amazing highs, winning three promotions and the Scottish League Cup.
“As always there are many lows, but I wouldn’t change anything, and I regret nothing.
“I would like to thank all the clubs I have represented as well as their fans for the cheers and boos that have driven me on.
“A special mention to my wife for being by my side through it all and for always supporting me in every aspect and every decision I have made.”
The popular frontman will be missed at The Linden both on and off the pitch.
Owls’ boss Dave Smith said: “Scott has been our best player and I think we’re going to miss him,
“He’s made a tough decision and we respect that.
“He was a class act on and off the pitch and made everyone around him better, including me.”
Vernon told the Grimsby Telegraph he has no immediate plans to go into coaching. He said: “I’m enjoying the break now, and I don’t have a burning desire to go into coaching or management. “It could well be something further down the line if I miss being in the game.
“I will miss the dressing room with all the jokes and banter as well as sharing that winning feeling after a match with your teammates, which is impossible to replicate.
“Scoring goals is up there with the best in football so that will also be a big miss.”