Mendonca quits

The Addicks striker has quit the game after receiving advice from the club's medical specialist that an operation on his hip would leave him disabled.

Mendonca will be remembered by all Charlton fans for his stunning hat-trick at Wembley in the 1998 play-off victory over Sunderland.

"My time at Charlton has been the highlight of my career and I would particularly like to thank the fans for the reception they have always given me," said Mendonca. 

"I am bitterly disappointed that I will no longer have the opportunity to play a part in the future success of the club but Charlton will always have a special place in my affections."

Mendonca joined Athletic from Grimsby for a club record fee of £700,000 in the summer of 1997 - he played just 96 games for Charlton scoring 45 goals.

The Islington-born forward was as much a hero at Blundell Park as he was at The Vallley scoring 60 goals in a five-year stint from 1992-97.

Mendonca also played for Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers and Rotherham United during a career spanning nearly 16 years.