Long-serving Warrington Town defender departs

The centre-half has joined City of Liverpool FC with his place in Yellows folklore firmly secure having featured in some of the finest moments in their history.

McCarten was the only player left at the club who played in both their FA Cup victory over Exeter City in 2014 and their Northern Premier League First Division North title-winning campaign in 2015-16.

Overall, he made more than 250 appearances for the club since his arrival in 2012.

"Jay has been a fantastic servant to this club," Yellows chairman Toby Macormac said.

"He exemplifies everything required from a non-league footballer.

"He has played through and grown with many changes at the club over the years, also enjoying successes which he thoroughly deserved and I wish him all the very best for the future."

McCarten celebrates the winning goal against Exeter City scored by Craig Robinson, who manages new club City of Liverpool. Picture by Mike Boden

McCarten in action against Gateshead in the FA Cup second round in 2014. Picture by Mike Boden

McCarten, second from left, helped Yellows to promotion in 2016 as part of a potent defensive partnership with Daniel O'Donnell. Picture by Mike Boden

During the Exeter game, McCarten made a critical goalline clearance to preserve Town's lead.

Watch his crucial intervention here at 2mins 35secs

Even up until the early stages of 2018, the 28-year-old was club captain and one of the first names on the team sheet until he suffered a serious ankle injury that robbed him of a year of his career.

Since sustaining the injury against Altrincham in January 2018, he has pulled on the yellow jersey just 12 times while having loan and dual registration spells with City of Liverpool and Bamber Bridge.

With Mark Roberts and Dave Raven forming an impressive partnership in his absence, McCarten has found first-team football hard to come by.

His final appearance in a Yellows shirt came as a late substitute at Matlock Town last Tuesday.