The Pitching In Southern League Premier South will be graced by Charlie Austin during the 2024/25 season after a ‘penny dropping’ moment during a recent family holiday saw the experienced front-man agree to sign for AFC Totton.
The 35 year-old is no stranger to this level after turning out for the likes of Hungerford Town, Thatcham Town and Poole Town earlier in his career.
It was his goalscoring exploits for the Dolphins that earned him a move into The Football League with Swindon Town in 2009 and since then he has appeared in each of the top four leagues, serving the likes of Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.
Now he is eager to help AFC Totton reach the next level after they just missed out last term in the play-offs.
“This is an opportunity that suits me and my family,” he told his club’s media. “The club initially contacted me in May and we have kept in touch over the summer.
“It was during a recent family holiday when the penny finally dropped and I contacted the club to say let’s get the deal done, it really was as simple as that.
“It’s important for me to be able to play football with a smile on my face and if I can do that whilst helping this club progress, I will be very happy.
“The club has shown plenty of patience and I have really appreciated that. I’ll bring experience, know-how and hopefully goals.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the club progressing and I want to be able to play my part in that.
“I’ve watched games at this level recently, so I know what it’s all about. Non-League football has improved so much over the past 15 years since I was last involved and I am looking forward to the challenge that it will present to me.
“I won’t be coming here half-hearted, I am ready to play and do a job and if we can all stick together, we’ll give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our goal of promotion.”
Austin’s first league game for the club will see them host Walton & Hersham on Saturday, August 10th.
IMAGE: Sayers Sports Photography
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