Weatherstone still hungry for success (From The Argus)

Weatherstone still hungry for success

9:00am Monday 6th July 2009

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Simon Weatherstone says his desire is burning as strong as ever.

Weatherstone raised a few eyebrows when he decided to bring the curtain down on his 14-year career as a full-time professional to join Eastbourne Borough.

The 29-year-old rejected a new contract at Crawley and also turned down an approach from a Football League club to go part-time at Priory Lane.

But the former Oxford United, Boston and Yeovil midfielder insists he has no intention of winding down his career and remains as ambitious as ever.

Weatherstone said: “I have been lucky enough to be professional footballer for 14 years. I have had a successful career along the way but I decided it was time for a change.

“I had the opportunity to stay full-time but I wanted to look into the avenue of going part-time. I was offered a new contract at Crawley but we couldn’t really agree on terms while a League Two club also showed interest in signing me.

“It was tempting and if I was younger I might have gone for it but it would have meant moving and I am happy where I am.

“It wasn’t worth staying full-time for just one more year and then going part-time in 12 months so I thought it was best to take the plunge now.

“I always like to test myself and I see this as a new challenge. I don’t consider going part-time as taking a step back at all but doing something new.

“I’ve always had a strong work ethic so I don’t think having a job is going to affect my football greatly. When I was full-time I was still working on my other interests and the only difference is now I will have more time to do that.”

Weatherstone started his career at Oxford back in 1996 and has built a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder during spells with Yeovil, Boston, Weymouth and Crawley.

He has twice been part of a title-winning team – at Yeovil and under Crawley boss Steve Evans at Boston – and has two England C caps to his name.

Borough boss Garry Wilson was keen to sign him when he left Weymouth 12 months ago but he opted to team up with Evans again at Broadfield Stadium.

Wilson got his man at the second attempt though and Weatherstone is confident his new club can build on their impressive performance last season when they finished 13th in Blue Square premier.

Weatherstone added: “I had other offers from part-time clubs but I had spoken to Garry at the start of last season before I signed for Crawley so when I made the decision to go part-time he was the first person I rang.

“Eastbourne did very well last year. We (Crawley) had two fantastic matches with them and that proved to me that they were a club that is going places.

“I like the atmosphere around the club, they have some good players and I am confident we can do well again this season.

“People say the league will be very tough this year but it is the same every year.

“I think our aim has got to be to improve on our position last season and have a run in one of the cup competitions. Anything else would be seen as a bonus.”

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