Sussex football veteran hangs up boots

Fulsome tributes have been paid to Sussex football veteran Gary Charman after he announced his near-25-year football career was coming to an end.

He revealed the news on Twitter last Tuesday, saying: “Hardest message ever. The time has come to hang up my boots. After 25 years, over 800 games, and nearly 200 goals, I have decided to retire from football.

“My last game with be on the 12th March at home against Brightlingsea. #football #whatagame #besttimeever #greatmemories.”

Best known for his service to Horsham FC, versatile Charman has also played for Bognor, Burgess Hill, Eastbourne Borough and Lewes.

Hornets boss Dom Di Paola saidtheyhadknownCharman’s retirementwascoming,adding: “We were just trying to work out the best time to do it.

“He’s been a fantastic servant, a brilliant player, a brilliant guy and we wish him all the best. We hope, on March 12, a lot of people turn up. Hopefully we’ll get a big crowd and it’s a great day for him.”

An old facial injury meant Charman had to wear a mask during games. A fractured cheekbone in 2009 that put him out of the game for 10 months.

Di Paola said: “He doesn’t have one at the moment. It’s hard for him to get a new one, and he’s not meant to play without it.

“He’d have to hang on another two or three months with the chance of him not playing.”

Now in his fourth spell with Horsham, having re-signed in 2019, Charman is a homegrown ‘legend’ to Hornets fans. Having come up through the Horsham youth ranks, he made his senior debut in 1998.

His retirement news sparked a flood of tributes.

Former team-mate Theo Widdrington said: “What a bloke, congrats on an unreal career my friend.”

JoeVines,nowNo2atLewes, added: “Great career Gary, don’t waste all those years by not giving back to the game, see you in a dugout somewhere soon.”

Worthing’s Alex Parsons said: Top guy Gaz. Great memories playing with you & enjoy retirement mate.”

And former Hornets man Ross Standens aid: “Great career mate! On to your golf now then, no seriously great career , great lad!”