Goalkeeper Lee Worgan has announced his retirement a matter of weeks away from his 40th birthday.

The former Maidstone and Tonbridge favourite has called time on a career that saw him chalk up 786 senior appearances.

His finest hour came in 2016 when he made the winning penalty save as the Stones beat Ebbsfleet in the National League South play-off final before lifting the trophy as captain.

Jay Saunders, his old manager at Maidstone, described Worgan as “the best I’ve ever worked with”.

Worgan, who turns 40 on December 1, also won the Isthmian Premier title at the Gallagher, having previously helped Tonbridge to play-off final glory in the same division.

“My time has come,” said Worgan, who joined Welling United as goalkeeper player-coach last summer.

“I have spent the last 30 years playing the game I love.

“The journey started in a park wearing an oversized pair of GK gloves training with my dad at nine-years-old and from that moment I dreamt of becoming a professional footballer.”

Worgan started his career with the old Wimbledon FC, remaining with the club when they relocated to Milton Keynes.

The former Wales under-21 international also had stints in the Football League with Wycombe, Rushden & Diamonds and Cardiff, moving into non-league at Hastings.

Five-year spells at Tonbridge and Maidstone followed before spending a couple of seasons as player-coach at Dover.

He went on to join Chelmsford, Dorking and hometown club Eastbourne before his summer move to Welling, although he never made an appearance for the Wings.

Reflecting on his career, Worgan said: “I have made appearances in the Championship, League 1, League 2, gained six caps for Wales U21s, made over 400 appearances in the National League as well as several hundred more in the leagues below - during my longer stints clocking up over 250 consecutive games for Maidstone United and more than 230 for Tonbridge Angels.

“I have captained promotion-winning teams, won a league title, won three play-off finals and have cherished every moment with all of the clubs that together make up my 786 senior appearances.

“A winning penalty save in the play-off final for Maidstone United is a standout moment - a feeling that will stay with me forever.”

Worgan praised supporters, saying “you really are what makes the game so special” and paid tribute to former team-mates and managers, including Saunders and former Tonbridge boss Tommy Warrilow, in his retirement announcement.

“I have endless admiration and respect for all of you,” said Worgan.

“I really have made memories, experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.

“My parents, Nigel and Sharon, supported me in ways I will probably never realise, and my wife, children and other family members have been a huge support for me over the years.

“I could never have done any of it without them. Now it's time to put down the gloves and dedicate more of me to them.”

Saunders, who managed Worgan at Maidstone between 2013 and 2018, is among those to have paid tribute to the goalkeeper.

“He’s the best I’ve ever worked with, as a player or manager,” said Saunders.

“I think people saw this bubbly character who liked a laugh and this and that but he was so professional.

“At Maidstone, we didn’t even have a goalkeeping coach, which is crazy to think we had those promotions and he was doing his own training. I think that speaks volumes of him.

“He’s a class act as a top, top keeper, but a top, top person and a mate.

“He’s someone I’ve stayed in contact with and whatever he does or goes on to do, I’m sure he’ll be successful but he can enjoy his time with the family – Laura and the kids.

“It’s a shame but hopefully we’ll still his old man, Nigel, wandering about at games because he’s another great character and I’m sure he’s proud of the career Lee had.”

Warrilow, who took Worgan to Tonbridge from Hastings, said: “He was an unbelievable goalie - probably one of my best signings.

“He just got better and better and I can’t remember him being injured in the 200-plus games he played for me.

“Not only was he an outstanding goalie, but a great character to have in the changing room.

“He can look back with a bit of pride.

“He’s had a fantastic career and made lots of friends.

“He’s got a great family wrapped around him and I wish him all the best - I’ll be seeing him soon. We still keep in touch.”

Worgan spoke about his retirement plans on his return to the Gallagher with Eastbourne two years ago.

Several years earlier, he and dad Nigel shared the story of his early years as a goalkeeper.