FA Vase and Red Star legend Kerr retires from Northern League game

FA Vase legend and former Seaham Red Star favourite Lee Kerr has announced his Northern League retirement.

The 33-year-old spent the last 12 months of his highly successful career at Jarrow, after joining his hometown club in January 2020.

Kerr also represented the likes of Hebburn Town, Jarrow Roofing, Spennymoor Town and Shildon during his career in the Northern

League.

But it was with Whitley Bay where he made his name by helping the Seahorses to three consecutive FA Vase Final wins.

Kerr and strike partner Paul Chow, who also represented Roofing, scored in all three Wembley victories – against Glossop North End, Wroxham and Coalville Town – as they became one of the most feared partnerships in the North East non-league game.

Kerr also won a Northern League title and two Northumberland Senior Cup winners medals at Hillheads, and also spent time on trial at Newcastle United during Glenn Roeder’s spell in charge of the Magpies.

Kerr continued to impress in the last year of his career as he helped Jarrow reach the second round of the FA Vase for the first time.

And Jarrow joint-managers Dave Bell and Scott Oliver have paid tribute to the player.

Bell described Kerr as an ‘absolute legend’ as he revealed the impact he has made during his time at Perth Green.

Bell said: “I was delighted when Lee decided to join us here at Jarrow.

“Lee always made a real difference, and he is a topclass lad who made a big difference on and off the pitch.

“I am really sad to see Lee leave and retire, and I will miss seeing him play and having him around our club.

“He will be a huge miss, but we totally respect his decision.

“Lee has achieved so much in the game and is an absolute legend in my eyes.

“He is a great lad, and he will be a big miss for everyone at the club.”

Oliver, who also managed Kerr during his spell at Hebburn Town, added: “During my time at Hebburn, Lee was a player that I enjoyed watching.

“He was always very comfortable on the ball and he made the game look very easy at all times.

"He was simply just a natural footballer.”