GOALKEEPER Guy Clubb thought his Felixstowe & Walton United career was over before it had begun.

Clubb received a telephone call out of the blue from manager Kevin Witchalls asking him to play in a pre-season friendly against Tilbury just a week before he was due to get married.

After playing for Kingsley Healthcare SIL Senior Division side Ransomes Sports for five seasons, Clubb had decided not to play this season due to his forthcoming wedding and also trying to get his own graphic design business off the ground.

He said: “It was the first time in 10 years that I had not done a pre-season, and I was nervous before the Tilbury game.

“I didn’t think I had done enough in the game to deserve a second chance, so I am glad they saw enough in me to give me another opportunity.”

Clubb’s not the only one who is pleased that the Seasiders saw fit to offer him the chance of playing Ridgeons League Premier Division football – two steps higher than he had been playing – this season.

After his wedding to Emma on July 30 and subsequent honeymoon in Florida, Clubb made his debut in the FA Cup extra preliminary round 1-0 victory over Norwich United.

And after seven clean sheets in 12 appearances, Clubb has now established himself as the No.1 keeper at the Goldstar Ground.

He said: “I am glad I made the step up. I have had a couple of shaky moments in the games I have played, but hopefully I have had more good days than bad.

“I have found the pace of the game much quicker, and I have never been at a club before where we work on set pieces, and other clubs try to do the same.

“Everything is that more serious and of course there are better quality players and better facilities,” he added.