Husband would rather walk away than just be ‘average’

Increased commitments away from the game, including the birth of his second child and a promotion at work forced the veteran of 293 appearances for Leamington to announce his retirement at the end of last season.

And although he refuses to rule out another U-turn - he was persuaded to return for the closing stages of the 2012/13 campaign following a similar declaration - he says he will not be returning to Brakes.

“It got to the stage last year where I was struggling to commit to football,” said Husband, who scored 43 goals in his eight-year stay at the New Windmill.

“To be fair I was struggling at the level we were playing at. And if I stepped up [to Conference North] I’d be an average player at best.

“You could call it a temporary retirement, though.

“I’m sure I’ll come back at a lower level.”

Still only 28, the popular utility player was a key part of Brakes’ run to the Southern League Premier title, finishing the campaign with 33 appearances, 18 as substitute.

However, he says his priority must be to his young family, with the increasing demands of semi-professional football taking its toll on his home life.

“I did retire part-way through last year and even then I had so much going on I didn’t miss it too much.

“All my local teams have got in touch but I had to explain that Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday is too much commitment.

“It was only half an hour to the ground, but some of the away games, you lose all day Saturday.

“And we even travelled on a Friday night.

“What with work as well, you’re losing family time and something has to give.”

Husband could hardly have chosen a better way to bow out after picking up his third championship medal with Leamington.

But despite the obvious satisfaction he gained from promotion to the Conference North, he says he will still look back on the first two titles with the most fondness.

“The other promotions were the most exciting, with all the local Leamington lads.

“When you look back we were far too good for the leagues we were playing in and and you only have to see now what level some of those players are playing at to realise it.

“This season has been a lot harder, with a good group of players for this standard working hard for each other.”

Though he will not be playing, Husband is determined not to cut his ties with the club and has already pencilled in training sessions at the New Windmill and says he will get down to watch games when the time allows.

The former Warwick University student will remain signed on at Leamington in case of emergencies but manager Paul Holleran admits the retirement marks the end of an era.

“Jimmy’s been a fantastic player for Leamington Football Club,” said Holleran.

“He’s last man standing from the squad I took over and although he’s been out on loan on the odd occasion he has stuck in there and he’s proved to me what a good person and player he is.

“He was vital for us last season and his performances early on and his presence late on in the season were very important for us.

“He’ll be a tough act to follow.”