Lee Kerr, one of the greatest players to pull on a Whitley Bay shirt, has announced the end of his Northern League playing career.
He made his first appearance for Whitley Bay in May 2003, Andy Gowens’ final game in charge, in an end of season friendly against Ware Town, when as a 16 year old, he came on for the final 20 minutes and was described in the match report as ‘a very useful prospect.’ He made his full debut the following season on 22 January against Billingham Synthonia in Ian Chandler’s first game as manager when he scored the opening goal in a 2-2 draw.
In the 2004/05 season he achieved a unique record of scoring in three FA competitions in one season, the FA Cup, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup. He attracted the attention of numerous professional clubs as a youngster and had trials at Newcastle United.
During the next ten years, ‘Sparky’ won just about every award possible, including the Northern League Championship, three FA Vase winners’ medals and two Northumberland Senior Cup winners medals. He scored in all three of Whitley’s FA Vase Finals at Wembley and was named man of the match in the 2009 Final while his total of 187 goals makes him the Club’s third top scorer of all time and one of only seven players to score more than 100 goals for the Club. After ten hugely successful years at Hillheads he left in 2013 to join Spennymoor Town and then had spells at Shildon, Seaham, Jarrow Roofing and Hebburn before returning to Whitley Bay in the summer of 2019 and making 18 appearances, bringing his total in Bay colours to 471. He has spent the last 12 months at his home town club Jarrow FC.
Announcing his decision Lee said “After 768 appearances (maybe more) for some great clubs and great managers, I’ve decided I won’t be playing Saturday football anymore. Since getting my first start at Whitley I’ve made some memories I’d never really dreamt of. I’ve met some great people along the way, friends for life and a few who are no longer here, but their memories will stay with me for ever more. I’ve played with and against some of the best players in the north east and it’s been a pleasure. It’s over to the little fella now to get the ball at his feet…watch this space!”
Reflecting on his years at Hillheads he continued “I want to thank all the Whitley fans for their support over the years, through the good and bad days. I’m sorry it didn’t work out second time around. I’d have loved to have played a lot more games than I actually ended up playing. Also I’d like to thank the Club and all the board members and yourself for helping keep the Club running the way it does. A special mention to Dave Styles who went above and beyond for me, getting trials here and there, doing off season/mid season sessions to keep me motivated. I’d also like to say a big thank you to all the players I’ve played with over the years and of course the Whitley management – Chan, Cuggs, Gav, Glen, Terry Burke, Bri Smith, Dave Sproat and all Chan’s other backroom staff who’ve helped me.”
Looking to the future he added, “I’ve not mentioned retirement yet; I might still end up playing Sundays for a few years. I look forward to visiting a few games and seeing everyone sometime in the near future.”
It goes without saying that there’ll always be a warm welcome for Sparky at Hillheads!
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