Tom Carlse embarks on new chapter after making the difficult decision to retire from playing after suffering serious injury while playing for VCD Athletic

DARTFORD based footballer Tom Carlse says he is looking to embark on a new chapter of his footballing career in coaching or football analysis.

The 31-year-old left-back suffered a career ending serious injury while playing for 
 VCD Athletic in a FA Vase home tie against Hartpury University in February.

VCD Athletic joint-manager Ross Baker later revealed Carlse ‘got a serious injury to his throat’ during that game and his family asked the club ‘to just keep the details quiet’.

However, the former Thamesmead Town, Corinthian-Casuals, Erith Town, East Grinstead Town, Sittingbourne, Greenwich Borough, Ashford United, Cray Wanderers, Lewes, Ramsgate and Hythe Town defender, is looking to embark on his next step of his footballing journey.

“Following what happened back in February, I’ve made the unsurprising decision to call it a day on the playing side of football,” said Carlse.

“Whilst this was a difficult decision to make as I was just being to enjoy my football again, it feels only right that I now embark on a new chapter.

“I’m in the process of applying for my UEFA B (Licence) and have turned my focus more towards the football coaching side of my business but would love the opportunity to join a management group.

“I am looking for a role that gives me some coaching responsibility and/or the opportunity to do some football analysis.”

Crayford based outfit VCD Athletic went on to win promotion from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division after beating Fisher 2-1 in the Play-Off Final and Baker and Danny Joy’s side return to the Isthmian League South East Division after a two-year absence.

Carlse attended the play-off final and was with his team-mates inside the home dressing room before the game and Baker said during the post-match press conference that Carlse was ‘on the mend’.