By Josh Cole
Tyrone Sterling is retiring as a player at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, this is his message to you, the fans, before we begin our playoff journey.
“I urge you to get behind us with all your energy. I believe that positive energy can greatly enhance our spirit in the dressing room and help us push through to success. We will give everything for ourselves and for you.”
Sterling joined The ‘Gate on the 18th of May 2023 and initially became a fan favourite for his personality off the pitch and his performances on it!
Coming into the 2024/25 season Tyrone already had one eye on his career once he hung up his boots, because although he re-signed with Margate as a player, he was also eager to take up a coaching role for this season to help players develop and use all his knowledge of the game to develop Margate FC!
Throughout this season when he hasn’t started on the pitch, Sterling made sure he had an influence on the game and the team by coaching form the sidelines to great effect helping us push for the playoffs!
So far, ‘T’ has played in 66 games for Margate spanning two seasons and he has been a key part of the dressing room.
Margate player/manager, Ben Greenhalgh, said: “When we managed to get Tyrone in last season it was a great signing, and he proved it from the moment he walked in how effective someone with his experience was to Margate Football Club. From the outset he became a leader within the changing room but also was key when advice was needed all round.”
“I think we all knew at some point the day would come but he has proved how vital he is to us and how strong his performances have been getting back-to-back 90 minutes over a bank holiday weekend and beating Beckenham but most importantly being a key part in such a strong performance in another Thanet derby!”
“I will always remember Tyrone for his sweeper role at Dover, it was a role that had been forgotten about for many years, and we were so surprised to see that Dover would still play one, but I understood why when T seemed to pick up every ball in behind and stop any danger coming up against them.”
“I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s game just to be able to celebrate with him what a career he has had and count myself lucky to be able to push and promote the final game of a legend within the non-league circuit.”
“He will be remembered for finishing his career at Margate but to all of his previous clubs and the world of football, he will never be forgotten!”
Over his whole career, Sterling made 708 total competitive appearances, with the majority coming at Cray (235) and Dover (168). In all those games, he kept 278 clean sheets and although he wasn’t known for his goal scoring, he did notch up 35 goals.
He also made 16 caps for his country Grenada and managed to qualify for the Gold Cup with them in 2021 and out of the three games that Grenada played at that international tournament, he played in all three!
I spoke to Tyrone and asked why he made this decision to retire at the end of this season?
“I’ve been contemplating retirement for some time, and it became clear to me recently that this is the right season to make that decision. My family is my primary motivation—they have sacrificed so much for me, and I want to spend quality time with them.”
“Balancing business, training, and games had become increasingly challenging. Additionally, the number of games I could play each year was taking a toll on my body, and I want to leave the game in good health.”
Playing so many games, it can be hard to pick a favourite moment, but Sterling felt pride putting on the Grenada shirt for the first time, so that stood out as his choice.
“Representing Grenada and performing on such a grand stage is an incredible honour. Without a doubt, my best moment was playing in a major international tournament for my country.”
“I still vividly remember the feeling of walking out onto the pitch for the first time and thinking of my grandad, who was born in Grenada, moved to the UK, and passed away years before that game.”
“We played against Cuba in a World Cup qualifier, and I just hoped I was making him proud.”
After two seasons with Margate, playing in 66 games, I also asked what his favourite moment was with The ‘Gate?
“Without a doubt, our record against Ramsgate this year, especially the 4-1 victory on Easter Monday, stands out. I love those moments! I stepped onto the pitch with the mindset of giving our fans the bragging rights they deserve, walking out with pride on our rivals’ ground.”
With a final message to The ‘Gate fans as a player before officially retiring, Sterling said: “One of the key reasons I chose to retire is that I couldn’t think of a better place to conclude my career than at Margate.”
“The fans here are truly the best I have ever encountered. Even during a challenging year last season, you stood by us, lifted us up, and showed unwavering support. I am determined to bring us back to the level you all deserve.”
“Thank you for all your love, kindness, and support. I will never forget it, and I wish you and the club all the best. I have no doubt that I’ll be in the crowd cheering alongside you all one day.”
Everyone at Margate FC wishes Tyrone Sterling all the best in his retirement, and he’ll always be welcome at HDP!
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