Respected by many as one of the best stoppers in the Jewson League, Maldon Town favourite Neil Stanbridge is calling time on his goalkeeping career.
"I sustained a back injury in a work-related accident and I've got to hang up my gloves," said Stanbridge, 32.
"The training commitments are too much for my back and it has left me feeling gutted.
"I love my football, but I have got to be realistic.
"If I want to stand a chance of even thinking about being able to kick a ball about with my son then I've got to give it up now."
Stanbridge can look back on a long career with plenty of highlights.
Aside from when he was on trial with Birmingham City in 1995, he cites this season's FA Vase run with Maldon as a big achievement.
"That was great as it was the furthest I've ever got in the competition," he said.
"I've had some success. I won the league with Halstead and the league cup with them and Harwich and Clacton."
Despite his retirement, Stanbridge doesn't want to leave the game he loves.
"I'd like to do my coaching badges as I feel there are not enough goalkeeping coaches in the league."
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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