Biography

The experienced defender started out at Southampton, joining their academy at under-15 level and signed a professional contract with the Saints in October 2008.

After several years at St Mary’s, he was released in May 2012 before signing for then Conference club, Forest Green Rovers, on an initial three-month contract. A week later he headed home in a 2-1 win at AFC Telford United, earning himself a permanent move in September.

The highlight of his time at The New Lawn was undoubtedly leading them out at Wembley in the 2016 National League promotion final as captain. Ironically, it was to their opponents that day, York City, that he made his next (temporary) move in December, before picking up serious knee injury  against Gateshead which curtailed his next loan spell at Torquay United the following January.

Racine joined the coaching team at our Development Centre in 2017 and made his long-awaited playing return at Imperial Fields, Tooting against their new tenants, Dulwich Hamlet on 18th March 2018.

The now 33-year-old found the net for the first time at Moneyfields that September and was appointed to the position of Academy and Youth Director in late February the following year. Aarran was voted into the 2021/22 Isthmian Prem Team of the Season as Captain of Reds’ Championship-winning squad.

“Azza” led from the dugout as Caretaker Manager in March 2024 following the departure of the long-serving Adam Hinshelwood, getting off to a great start after victory in his first game at second-placed Chelmsford City. Then, after spending the majority of the following term as Assistant Manager, Aarran returned to the playing ranks a year on in the 3-0 home win over Hemel Hempstead Town.