RETIRING midfielder Keith Emmerson admitted he felt “humbled” by tributes paid to him at Dorchester Town on the final day of his non-League career.

Emmerson took the captain’s armband for his swansong and played the full 90 minutes as Dorchester claimed a 3-2 win over Hendon in their final home game of the season.

Niko Muir’s double had put Hendon in front twice, a lead cancelled out by Charlie Gunson’s fierce 30-yard free-kick and Alfie Stanley’s sliced volley.

And Stanley gave the Magpies victory with a sumptuous side-footed volley to ensure Emmerson’s 24-year career ended on a high.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town 3-2 Hendon - report

Pre-match, Emmerson was presented with a signed Magpies shirt and a commemorative trophy before receiving a guard of honour from both teams.

Speaking to Echosport, Emmerson revealed the reality of retirement did not set in until the morning of the game.

He said: “How non-League receives players, what they do for players, it’s a fantastic culture and environment to be a part of.

“What the lads from both teams did, I was really touched with that. It was nice to share that experience with my family, especially my two boys.

“I’m really humbled. It’s quite a special place, it has been for a number of years looking from the outside in.

“To get the experience of playing for this club and being around it, it’s been amazing.”

Emmerson also revealed he had had numerous messages from around the world after announcing his decision to retire.

He added: “I’ve been trying to think about it for the last week, how it actually feels.

“(Saturday) morning was the time it really set in. I’ve been really surprised and humbled by how many messages I’ve had.

“I’ve had things from South Africa, America, New Zealand, Canada, Japan. People who I’ve met over the years have reached out to say thank you and congratulations.

“That’s what I wasn’t prepared for. That was the biggest thing for me. I’ve loved every second of it.

“It’s been a running joke with my wife for the last ten years that is it going to be my last year? I’ll think about it! I’ve managed to keep it going for the 15 years we’ve been together.

“Eventually, it needed to shift for me to concentrate on my family and this was the time for me.

“It’s cemented now that I’m going to be one of these people that fades into the background now.

“I’ve met some fantastic people and played for some great clubs.”

Among those clubs were Poole, Taunton and Farnborough, with all of whom Emmerson won league titles.

He will remain on the pitch during his military career, having also built a stellar CV with the Army and Armed Forces.

Emmerson finishes his Dorchester career with 33 games and a goal.