Former Carlisle United defender David Raven has called time on his playing career - and spoken about about a switch of clubs.

The 36-year-old confirmed yesterday that he has hung up his boots.

And Raven, who played for the Cumbrians in League One from 2006-10, has opened up about the circumstances of his decision to leave Marine for an assistant manager position at Warrington Town.

Marine last week said they were reporting Warrington to the Football Association and the Northern Premier League over the situation, saying Raven remained a contracted player with them.

But Raven, writing on Twitter, has now given his side of things.

"So I wanted to speak up on this," he said. "Firstly, I’ve retired from playing football (for many reasons) but also to pursue another career as a coach and manager, one that I’ve been working towards since I started my badges six years ago.

"I’m 36, and intended to retire in May anyway until the Warrington Town opportunity came up.

"Those who know football and understand how it works know full well I couldn’t turn this down at this point in my life. I’ve loved my time at Marine but it’s clear this opportunity would never happen there, which is fine.

"I pleaded with the club, explained how my body now feels and that I can’t walk down the stairs on a Sunday morning but they refused and blocked the way.

"I don’t want to play football for anyone else, it’s a different career path, still they refused.

"I wanted it to be amicable and realistic, and understood the club needed to time to find a replacement.

"But after getting injured that became obsolete which led to me handing in my retirement when again they refused.

"They now pursue fining me and taking money off me a week before Christmas. After all I put myself through for the club and achieved with them, the sourness of this is incredible.

"I’d like to thank all of the fans, lads and staff there (whom I’ve spoken with) and hope you understand my reasons for wanting to move on with my life after playing football for 20 years.

"I’m extremely disappointed in the club and how it’s ended with Marine, but the great memories will always remain."

Raven had been with Marine since the summer of 2020 and was part of their memorable FA Cup run which lefd to a third round meeting with Tottenham last season.

The former Liverpool defender made 154 appearances and scored one goal in his tme with Carlisle.

In an earlier club statement, Marine said they had "repeatedly tried to persuade David to remain at the club until the end of the season to fulfil his contractual obligations.

They added: "Due to how events have unfolded over the past 2 weeks Marine have reported Warrington Town to both the FA Integrity department and the Northern Premier League."

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