Farnie left in the Shade - EXCLUSIVE

Tunbridge Wells manager Martin Farnie has criticised the mentality of his new signing, Aaron Shade, for deciding to retire from playing football - at the age of just TWENTY, writes Stephen McCartney.

Shade, formerly of Tonbridge Angels and Maidstone United, spent time at another Ryman League side, Chatham Town, during pre-season before opting to sign for the Kent League club.

But the striker sent Farnie a text message on the eve of Tunbridge Wells’ FA Cup extra preliminary round clash against Chessington & Hook United, which they lost 4-3, a game that Wells put in a “poor” first half performance, which saw them go into the interval three goals to nil down.

“He’s decided to retire at 20 - he doesn’t want to play football no more!” Farnie revealed EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“He text me on Friday and told me he’s had enough of football.”

Farnie added: “He’s head’s not right, he just wants to call it a day - at twenty.

“I’ll give my right arm to play but I’ve got lads at twenty who are saying they can’t get bothered with it!

“People get injured, Andy Mils, at 37, I think, is trying to fight back from injury to play.

“If I ever have a chat with him, (I will say) you only have one career and it’s very short and you have to make the best of it.”

Farnie was delighted to persuade Shade to join the Culverden Stadium club, following a stint at Chatham Town in pre-season.

He said: “I’ve been tracking him for a year or so now, he was going to be a real good player for us, score loads of goals for us and be the main man up front - but he’s decided not to play no more”

With former Tonbridge Invicta player Mike Lord the only recognised striker in the first team squad due to injuries, Farnie added: “I’ve got no-one. I don’t see where I can get anyone, not at this stage of the season, as everyone’s at clubs.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk