Charman quits after running out of time to return

Veteran Gary Charman has called time on his career at Ryman South Horsham after 15 years and nearly 600 appearances for the Hornets.

The 32-year-old, pictured, had been working his way back to fitness after battling long-term back injury and had still hoped to play a part in the run-in at his relegation threatened hometown club before announcing his decision to hang up his boots.

Charman's knack of scoring crucial goals, most notably in the FA Cup, helped establish his legendary status at the West Sussex club and he would undoubtedly have broken Mark Stepney's all-time appearance record but for injuries and brief spells away with Walton & Hersham and then Eastbourne Borough.

In total, Charman played in 589 competitive games for the Hornets and had scored 163 goals since breaking into the senior side in 1998. In November 2013 he fulfilled a long-time ambition when he took over as manager from the departed Simon Colbran before standing down just over a year later in January.

In a statement announcing his departure ahead of Whyteleafe's arrival at Gorings Mead on Saturday, Charman paid tribute to the club's officials and supporters.

He said: "I wish them all the best. It`s a great club, with the best supporters and I made some of my best friends whilst playing and managing."

A Hornets spokesman said: "We would like to say thank you to Gary for all the excitement, pleasure, commitment, and many memories he has given to our club, his club, over the years. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

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