'I used to be a Premier League goal machine but I dropped to non-league to escape the politics'

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Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 12/05/2025

- 21:18

Charlie Austin is renowned for his goalscoring ability - but the elite level of football proved to be too big a headache

Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin has helped guide AFC Totton to promotion to the National League South.

The Hampshire club secured their second promotion in three seasons with a 1-0 victory over Gloucester City in the Southern League Premier Division South playoff final on Bank Holiday Monday.


Ethan Taylor's second-half strike proved decisive, with Austin coming on as a late substitute to help see out the win.

Austin had earlier played a crucial role in Totton's playoff campaign, scoring the winner in extra time during their dramatic 4-3 semi-final triumph over Dorchester Town.

Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin has since swapped life in the Premier League for non-league - helping AFC Totton to promotion

PA/Instagram

The match had seen four goals scored in stoppage time before Austin's decisive intervention.

The 35-year-old joined AFC Totton last year after leaving Swindon Town, where he had completed his second spell with the club.

Austin's decision to step down to the seventh tier of English football was largely driven by family considerations and what he described as 'politics' in the game.

Speaking to talkSPORT about his decision to leave league football, Austin said: "Do you know what I think it comes down to? The family time. I wanted to spend more time with the family.

"The problems that arose around the football club I wasn't really used to.

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"I don't need this agg, I don't need the politics that goes on in these football clubs, arguing over irrelevant things, really.

"For me, I'd rather just play part-time, enjoy time with a family but join a football club that's trying to have a go."

Austin had grown frustrated with off-pitch problems at Swindon Town in League Two.

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Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin made his name playing for clubs such as QPR, Burnley, Southampton and Swindon

PA

He opted for part-time football with AFC Totton, a club he felt was ambitious despite its non-league status.

Austin's journey in football has come full circle, from non-league to the Premier League and back again.

He began his career in non-league football, working as a bricklayer alongside playing and his breakthrough came after scoring an impressive 48 goals in one season for Poole Town.

This earned him a move to Swindon, where he netted 31 times in 54 appearances.

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Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin helped AFC Totton land promotion to the National League South this season

Instagram

Championship side Burnley signed him in 2010, where his goalscoring prowess continued.

Austin went on to play in the Premier League for QPR, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.

The promotion with AFC Totton marks the second playoff success of Austin's career, following his Premier League promotion with QPR in 2014.

Now Austin has found the perfect balance - still contributing on the pitch while prioritising family life off it.