Ernest Signor has added incentive to put his best foot forward when St George’s Colts square off against holders North Village in the FA Cup Final at Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow.

The 43-year-old defender has decided to hang up his boots after the traditional season finale, which will be the final chapter in a long and prosperous career spanning nearly four decades.

“I said last year this would be my last season, and it's just worked out in my favour us having an opportunity to win the FA Cup and for me to retire on a good note,” Signor told The Royal Gazette.

“It took me a long time to make the decision because fans always tell me I still got it, so I should keep going. But I feel myself falling back slowly, so I said let me take it easy and step out now before it's too late.”

St George’s are making their debut in the Cup Final and nothing would be more pleasing for Signor than to win a major trophy playing for the childhood club he first joined at age 5.

“One of my goals is to win a major cup with my home team and it’s kind of right there for us,” he added.

The experienced player has no doubts St George’s can be equal to the task at hand on the big day.

“We are not going out there panicking about making history, but rather just to play our game and enjoy ourselves,” Signor said. “Just go out there stick to the plan, stick to the system and the rest will fall right into place.”

St George’s have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, which Signor attributes to the hard work ethic and dedication the squad has embraced under coach Jarreau Hayward.

“If you want to be a champion then you have to work hard in training,” he added. “This is what you have to do, which is why St George’s is in the position we are in now.

"We have stepped up our game, especially in the fitness part. I always believe hard pays off, so if you work hard it will pay off for you.“

Signor began his career playing youth football on the former United States Naval Air Station in St David’s. He then accepted an invitation by late friend and team-mate Travis Smith to join the St George’s youth programme, where he continued to develop his skills at Wellington Oval.

The father of two later joined Hamilton Parish before venturing farther west to Dandy Town, where his career really took flight, and he enjoyed numerous success with the St John’s Road club playing alongside his brother, David.

“Going to Dandy Town made me feel good because I got more noticed,” Signor said. “That was the best part of my career, which helped me to get involved with the national squad more and also the Bermuda Hogges.”

He also had a successful stint playing in the former Island Soccer League with the Knights and Storm, having scored four goals in a match and earned the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award.

“I wanted to step up, and that helped me to get the award because I was playing against guys like Kentoine Jennings [the former North Village, Hereford United and Bermuda defender], who was a big name out there,” Signor said.

“I stepped up to the plate and ended up getting the award, which was another highlight of my career.

“But, again, it’s not easy. You have to put in the work which I learnt playing for Dandy Town, which opened many doors.”

Kick-off on Sunday is at 4pm.