Super Ray Call's It A Day

Last updated : 12 May 2005 By Stray Shots Team
Aldershot News reporter REBEKAH WHELLER has spoken to Super Ray Warburton (pictured) this week and after a season blighted by injury, he has decided to call time on his footballing career.

He said: “Last year went like a dream, I wouldn't have signed another year if I didn't think that could happen. I felt quite fit at the start of the season, but when you're out for 13 or 14 weeks with a hernia, you can bounce back when you're 24, but when you're approaching 38 it gets harder and harder.

“I've been doing about 800 miles a week, as well as trying to work part-time for my brother and trying to play football, all while spending time away from my family.”

Warburton's career started as an apprentice at his hometown club Rotherham United back in October 1985. But after just three first team appearances at Millmoor, Warbs made the switch to Yorkshire neighbours York City, where he spent four-and-a-half happy years.

In February 1994, Warburton moved to Northampton Town for £35,000 and it was there where he really made his name — captaining the Cobblers in another four-and-a-half year spell before joining Conference millionaires Rushden & Diamonds in October 1998 for an unknown fee.

Another four years at Nene Park ended with a switch to Boston United, where he won the Conference before joining the Shots in January 2003, enjoying promotion from the Ryman Premier League three months later.

“I have spoken to one or two clubs but due to my family and work commitments I am going to pack it in, I've had 14 operations over the years and there comes a point where you have to make a decision.

“The only reason I signed for Aldershot was because they had such good support, you don't mind putting your body through for two or three thousand people a week, but I couldn't do it for 300 people and my missus says she'll divorce me if I play football for another year!”

Warburton has been credited with developing the careers of youngsters like Brett Johnson, and whilst he admits it was tough to sit on the bench he was delighted to see the progress of both Johnson and Will Antwi.

"It's hard to sit on the bench but Will Antwi and Brett Johnson have been absolutely superb, they've come on leaps and bounds and I'm chuffed for them as they are the nicest pair of lads.

“I've just helped them along the way, they've listened and worked hard and they have still got a long way to go, both could be playing league football for the next ten or 12 years, and it could be with Aldershot, we'll have to wait and see.”

Warburton's last appearance at the Rec was replacing Johnson in their last league game against Scarborough, but Warbs has said he will come back to Aldershot, and was disappointed he did not get to say his goodbyes to the fans at Carlisle.

He said: “After probably 15 or 16 years of full-time and league football, Browny's been a breath of fresh air and it's the ideal way to finish my career. It was what I wanted, to finish with a manager that I liked and respected and I've really enjoyed it.

“I'll be working in the area so I'll try to get to a couple of Tuesday night games. The fans were brilliant at Carlisle, although we didn't get to clap them at the end, it's nice for them to thank us but it's nice for us to be able to show our appreciation as well.”

With thanks to the Aldershot News.