The central defender has decided to hang up his boots for a second time after sustaining another significant injury earlier on in the season. Facing the prospect of another lengthy recovery process, Aarran  has made the decision to formally announce his retirement.

Aarran’s playing days were initially brought to a close in January 2024, following a prolonged period out with a fourth Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury of what was otherwise a magnificent career.

In a unexpected turn of events, less than six weeks after announcing his decision to retire, Racine returned to Worthing as the Interim First Team Manager, following the departure of Adam Hinshelwood to York City. Racine, along with fellow interim staff Dean Hammond and Darren Budd, guided the Rebels to the National League play-off final, which included a streak of seven successive victories. Despite only being in charge for a brief period, Aarran was recognised for his work and was named the National League South Manager of the Month for April 2024.

Racine continued to play a key role at the football club following the appointment of Chris Agutter in the subsequent summer,  as he was named Assistant Manager.

In the latter stages of last season,  Agutter called upon the experience of his Assistant to play a part in the run-in. Our former captain featured on four occasions, as he built up his fitness after over a year without gracing the football pitch. This summer, Aarran penned a new deal, with the taste of competitive action encouraging him to continue his playing career.

His final appearance for the Reds occurred in August 2025, as he played the entire 90 minutes in a goalless draw with Enfield Town at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. Despite playing an integral part in keeping a clean sheet that afternoon, the 34-year-old unfortunately picked up another setback. Unfortunately, that issue has led to the curtain closing on his playing career for a second time.

“I’ve made the difficult decision—again—to retire from football,” Aarran stated.

“After getting positive news about my knee last season, I was able to give the game one last go. Unfortunately, a separate knee injury in our home match against Enfield has forced me to make that decision once more.”

“I’m grateful for having a second chance to play, but now it’s time to focus on life away from football with my family. I wish everyone at the club nothing but success for the future.”

In the infancy of his career, Aarran emerged through the youth set-up at Southampton before signing terms with Forest Green Rovers in 2012. During a five year spell at the The New Lawn, he made over a century of appearances and captained the team at Wembley Stadium in the 2016 National League Play-off final.

Racine first joined the Rebels in a coaching role at the Development Centre in July 2017 before making his long-awaited debut in March 2018.

He quickly established himself as a rock at the heart of our backline. The defensive stalwart was named in the 2021/22 Isthmian Premier Division Team of the Season as he captained the title-winning squad that earned promotion into the sixth tier, before also lifting the Sussex Senior Cup at the AMEX Stadium.

In total, our number six represented the Worthing shirt with pride on 145 occasions, netting nine times from the heart of defence.

Everyone at the club wishes Aarran the best of luck in his retirement and for his future endeavours and thank him for everything he has contributed to the club on and off the field thus far.

Thank you, Aarran!