Junior English has announced his retirement from football.
The popular utility man suffered an unfortunate injury in the Birmingham Senior Cup win over Rugby Town last November which has sadly meant that he has had to call a premature end to his playing days on medical advice.
Having landed heavily from an aerial challenge during the first half of the cup tie, the home support became increasingly concerned as Junior did not move for quite some time, having suffered a loss of feeling in parts of his body. Fortunately this returned and he was able to rejoin his team mates in the dressing room, but having suffered problems with his neck and spine in the past, Junior was told after having scans that he would require surgery, and decided on advice that it would be better not to attempt a return to playing.
Prior to joining Brakes in summer 2017, Junior spent the majority of his career firstly with Moor Green and then when they merged with Solihull Borough; Solihull Moors. After joining the youth set up as a 17 year old he spent 12 years at the club, making over 300 appearances, and was part of their National League North title winning squad in 2016 before spending a season with Worcester City prior to signing for Leamington.
Junior made 202 appearances for Brakes over his seven seasons with us, scoring 18 goals, many of them coming in memorable games against some of the National League North's big guns. It is testament to him that the season just gone was the only one that he has played below Step 2 of the Non League pyramid.
Below is a message from Junior to all at the club:
'As most people know, after the injury against Rugby Town last November, I was told that I wouldn’t be able to play football anymore ,so just wanted to leave a message before I sign off.
"Since I joined this club 7 years ago I have had nothing but good memories, and met some great people along the way. Leamington FC is a unique club, and a real family club. Firstly the staff behind the scenes that made life so much easier, Barry, Dawn, Kate, Jack Seaborn, Sally, Jase, Max, Paul, Shaun and for anyone else I missed out..thank you for looking after me. The fans..such a loyal set of supporters who always stuck by us even during the tough periods. I’m happy they’re able to see the lads back in the National League North. My team-mates: I have been lucky enough to share the dressing room with some top lads, past and present, and that dressing room always had the best team spirit. Thanks for making my time at the club an enjoyable one. Nayls and Chris: just two top guys. Last but not least - the gaffer!! Take away the football, he’s just a great guy. There’s a reason why so many of us have stayed at the club so long and that’s down to gaffer, and I’m so happy he was able achieve promotion again after such a tough season the year before. If anyone was going to achieve it, it was going to be him.
"Without Leamington I don’t think my career would have gone on for as long as it did, and i'd like to think I played my part in helping the club to establish themselves at Step 2. No doubt I’ll be down to watch the lads next season!!
"Thanks again
Junior 💛🖤"
