Former Welling, Dover and Maidstone striker Ross Lafayette has announced his retirement.

The 35-year-old tweeted news of his decision with the message ‘over and out’.

Lafayette, who played in the Football League with Luton, has called time after spending the past two seasons with Wealdstone, winning the National South title in 2019/20.

He wrote: “And with the season ending that is me hanging up my boots.

“Strange feeling but forever grateful to my team-mates, managers and clubs (too many to write) that I had the pleasure of going to war for.

“Accomplished my goal of becoming a pro, going into the league and winning leagues.

“Huge shout out to Welling United, Wealdstone and Sutton, where I absolutely loved my time and had the most memorable seasons.”

Former team-mates paid tribute to Lafayette on Twitter following the announcement.

Harry Beautyman, who played with him at Welling, said: “What a guy. It’s been a pleasure to play with you big dog.”

Ex-Stones team-mate Lee Worgan said: “What a guy. All the best pal.”

And Jamie Grimes, who played in the same Dover team, said: “Congrats on a great career mate, pleasure to play with you.”

Lafayette played arguably the best football of his career at Welling, firing Jamie Day’s side to Conference South glory in 2013.

An excellent first year in the Conference Premier yielded 16 goals and clinched a move to champions Luton Town, although he later returned on loan to help the Wings stay up the following season.

He’s also played for Billericay, Aldershot, Eastleigh and Woking.

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