Career
Prior to joining Peterborough, Rayner, a native of Cornsay, County Durham, had begun his football career as a striker at Grimsby Town, and later had short spells at Bury, Hartlepool United, Barrow and non-league Grantham Town before joining Peterborough in 1958. He spent five seasons at Peterborough before rejoining Grantham as player-coach in 1963. Moving back to the striker position, Rayner scored an incredible 71 goals in 45 matches for Grantham in 1963-1964, leading the Gingerbreads to their first Midland League title.
The following season, he returned to the professional ranks, spending one season at N ottinghamshire County.
After leaving N ottinghamshire County, Rayner became player-manager at Ilkeston Town and set a club-record scoring 55 goals in one season at Boston United, before returning to his native North East, where he played for Durham City and Gateshead.
