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Former Maidstone United and Dover Athletic midfielder Jai Reason announces his retirement

10:12, 03 October 2022

updated: 15:14, 03 October 2022

Former Maidstone and Dover midfielder Jai Reason has announced his retirement, aged 32.

Reason started his career at Ipswich Town, while other former clubs include Cambridge United, Eastleigh and Braintree, and he also represented England C.

Jai Reason has announced his retirement. Picture: Andy Jones
Jai Reason has announced his retirement. Picture: Andy Jones

Announcing his decision on social media, Reason, who finished last season at Brentwood, said he had been lucky to call football his job over the last 16 years.

Reason joined the Stones from Boreham Wood for the 2017/18 season and while he started the following campaign at Chelmsford, Dover soon moved for his services, and he spent two years at Crabble.

"Looking back at all the achievements throughout my career, it brings a tear to my eye," said Reason.

"Winning league titles, getting to the late stages of FA Cups and representing my country at England C level is an achievement I hold close to my chest.

"Every child's dream is to play at Wembley and for me this was something that came very early in my career (2009 play-off final with Cambridge) but one that I look back with great pride.

"Ipswich Town, I really owe everything to them. They took me at the young age of 11 and got me ready for the big wide world of football. To all the staff at Ipswich Town, thank you.

"To all the clubs I represented: Ipswich Town, Cambridge United, Eastleigh, Dover, Maidstone, Braintree, to name a few! Thank you for letting me represent your club.

"I hope you enjoyed watching as much as I loved playing for your club.

"To the managers/owners: Gary Brain, Rod Stringer, Richard Hill, Stewart Donald, Jay Saunders, Andy Hessenthaler, too many to list!

"Thank you all for believing in me and let me learn under your guidance. I'd like to hope you got your money's worth!

"To my ex-team-mates: working with you all every day was brilliant and the memories I have of all the jokes and laughter will live for me forever.

"You can't beat a good changing room full of men pulling in the right direction for one goal. Thank you."

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