Kevin Lisbie was supposed to be enjoying his retirement. The former Charlton striker, now 40, was meant to be relaxing after he called it a day two years ago following more than 20 years in professional football, more than 100 appearances in the Premier League and 10 international caps for Jamaica.
What is it they say about the best-laid plans? Instead, Lisbie will walk out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon for the FA Vase final to the lead the line for Cray Valley Paper Mills against Cherstey Town.
This time, it really will be the end. Although, it was definitely it last time he retired. He laughs. If it were just down to him, he might reconsider.. But it's not.
Kevin Lisbie scores for Charlton Athletic against Newcastle at The Valley in 2005
'I always said I'd keep playing until my body didn't allow me,' says Lisbie.. 'My knees are so sore after games now. Even getting up in the morning is hard! This won't be a decision that's made by me.'
This is a much better ending to a fine career. Perfect, he says. Lisbie will bow out at Wembley in front of his family and, if that were not fitting enough, stay on to watch his former club Leyton Orient play Fylde in the FA Trophy final afterwards.
'Orient are and always will be my family,' says Lisbie, who still works there as a part-time coach. 'I used to go there as a kid and whenever I've not got a game, I've been down there. They are a big part of me: a big club and a big part of my career.'
It has been a season to remember for both clubs. Lisbie has helped fire Cray Valley to the ninth-tier Southern Counties East Premier Division title while Orient won the National League to earn promotion back into the Football League. Both can end their season with more silverware on the same day.
Kevin Lisbie still watches former club Leyton Orient when he is not playing. He hopes to see them win the FA Trophy after he has
