Yeovil Town's Marc Bircham is considering retirement after failing to shrug off an ankle injury.
Injured midfielder considering his options after specialist's advice
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!"
