Jamie Devitt has announced his retirement from playing with immediate effect – and will concentrate on his coaching role with Workington Reds.
The decision was taken after a recent scan on a thigh injury revealed it would need surgery and a period of rehab.
He wouldn’t be able to play again this season and after a string of injury set-backs in recent years he decided to call time on a 15-year-career as a professional.
Announcing his decision, the 33-year-old Dubliner said: “Nobody ever wants this day to come and footballers tend to believe they can play for ever.
“It just seems to have been one thing after another since my first operation four years ago, and this latest set-back, which will require more surgery, is one too many to deal with, both mentally and physically.
“I have had great support from my family, throughout this tough period and couldn’t have coped without them.
“I have loved my time at Workington and thank the club for the opportunity to play for them. Now I will give everything I possibly can to help the team and the manager in any way I can with the coaching aspect.
“Let’s concentrate on a strong finish together and make it an enjoyable end to the season.”
Manager Danny Grainger admitted he was devastated by the news after sharing a dressing room with Devitt for a number of years at Carlisle.
“I know how good a player he is on the pitch and the type of person he is off it and it is unfortunate it hasn’t worked out for him with us.
“He will be even more determined now to play a big part with us as a coach between now and the end of the season.
“I know he will give everything to Workington Reds moving forward, helping us achieve our goals.”
In his long career Devitt played for 15 different clubs but put in most appearances for Carlisle (129) and Morecambe (75).
