Bircham considering retirement

Injured midfielder considering his options after specialist's advice

Last updated: 3rd December 2008

Bircham considering retirement

Bircham: Considering retirement

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Yeovil Town midfielder Marc Bircham is strongly considering retirement after failing to shrug off an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old has not played since September after suffering problems with his ankle, hamstring and back.

He is out of contract in June and could take an insurance pay-out and leave the League One outfit before Christmas, so allowing boss Russell Slade to sign a replacement in the January transfer window.

Good think

Speaking of his current ankle injury, Bircham told the Western Daily Press: "I went to see the specialist about a week ago and he said I should consider retiring, so I am giving it a good think over the next week or two and giving my decision then.

"I had my back and hamstring before and got over them but I can't get over this. I have had about six injections in my ankle and it is not really working.

"With this injury I can run, I can't sprint - but I could never sprint, and I can play a game but I can't use my left foot - which isn't a problem normally but it is for controlling the ball and sidefooting it. I get the pain and I can't carry on."

The former QPR and Millwall player added: "The specialist is saying I could have this operation but it is 50-50 whether it will work.

Nerve damage

"I have got nerve damage in there. Do I really want to go down the operation route when I will be out for four or five months not knowing whether I will come back or do I call it a day?"

As for the future, the player is planning to complete his Uefa A coaching licence in the summer and is setting up a soccer school in Cyprus.

He joked: "I will make sure I get my retirement in before the Christmas period so I can actually enjoy one for a change!"