Retired Skinner thinks about his next move

MARGATE DEFENDER Justin Skinner has called time on his playing career, based on medical advice, writes Steve Wells.

The former Wimbledon and Gravesend & Northfleet defender played 56 times for the Hartsdown Park club – once as a substitute – scoring twice, over two seasons.

A tenacious full back, Skinner and his fellow for Gravesend colleague Jimmy Jackson formed an exciting partnership on the Margate left.

Skinner’s last appearance for Margate was away at Leamington in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy, but he has been ever-present in the Margate dug-out since.

“I got diagnosed with arthritis and he (the surgeon) said he’d give me an operation to try and fix it,” Skinner told www.margate-fc.com.

“So I had the operation and thought it was going quite well. But then I started to get a lot of pain again, so I went to see him and he’s advised me that if I carry on playing – it might not happen in the first two games – but in the long run I’m going to be having quite a problem.

“I won’t be able to walk so well, it would affect my work and I can’t really do that, to be fair” explained Skinner.

“It is a difficult decision (to give up playing), but obviously my health comes first.

“I was enjoying my football, I keep myself fit, I thought I could play for another - maybe - three years at this level, but it’s happened.

“I’m disappointed but I’ve had a great time in football. I’ve not really had many bad points and I’ve really enjoyed it at Margate - the last two seasons - it’s just disappointing it’s ended the way it has.

“As you say, the first few games I thought I was doing quite well and I could hold my own so I was looking forward to playing for Margate for maybe a couple more seasons, bit it’s not meant to be.”

During his injury period, Skinner has been ever-present in the Margate technical area so perhaps a career in coaching or management beckons.

“The management (side) I’m not so sure. It’s difficult; it’s a hard job to do" he said.

"But I do like maybe, the coaching side, assistant manager maybe. I’ve been trying to do a couple of the talks inside the dressing room, because you do see the game better from the bench.

“I feel I’m getting more confident doing that. It’s a difficult job to do, and the time you have at half time to try and explain everything (is not a lot).

“I’ve got the summer to look forward to; I’ll spend it with my family and I’ll see from there. But I don’t want to just go away from football.

“I’ve had so many good memories, I’ve got so many good friends from it and I’m sure I’ll be coming to watch a few of these boys still.”

Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com