FORMER Saints striker Charlie Austin has left recently promoted National League South side AFC Totton.

Austin has called time on his Stags career after one season, in which he helped the SO40 side win promotion via the play-offs.

The 36 year old only played the final minutes of that 1-0 win over Gloucester City before being mobbed by supporters wishing to get a picture amid the celebrations.

My time at AFC Totton has come to an end," Austin said via a social media statement on Friday afternoon.

"Massive thanks to Jimmy (Ball), Beets (James Beattie), and all the staff for making this past year such an enjoyable one.

"I’ve loved being part of this group — a great bunch of lads — and to finish the season with promotion was the perfect ending. All the best."

Austin's last real act for the Stags was a dramatic one. His extra-time winner against Dorchester Town in the play-off semi-final capped off one of the craziest ends to a game.

Totton had been 2-0 down heading into added time, but four injury time goals took the game to extra time with the score 3-3.

“Our thanks go to Charlie for the time he has been with us here at AFC Totton," Stags boss ball added. 

"When he joined us, we had a mission and a clear goal, and when all is said and done, we achieved our objectives together.

“For me as a manager, Charlie has been absolutely fantastic and a pleasure to work with both on and off the pitch. His commitment and work ethic have been excellent throughout his time here.

"Many of the other players in the squad have genuinely benefitted from having the chance to work alongside him and to learn from him.

“His will always be an important name in the history of AFC Totton, not least for scoring that crucial goal against Dorchester in the Play-Off semi-final.

"That enabled us to go on and reach new heights as a football club. We all wish him the very best for the future.”