Babb retires despite Clarets interest

Cotterill had hoped to persuade the former Republic of Ireland international to keep on playing, as he assembles a squad at Burnley.

However, the former Liverpool defender has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 33 and pursue other things.

"I was talking to Phil at the weekend, but it is my understanding that he will retire," Cotterill told the Burnley Express.

"That's his decision. He would have come to Burnley if he wasn't.

"I did spend a day and night with his agent, and an evening with Phil to see where he sees his future, but at the last minute Phil decided he wanted to retire.

"That's where we are with that one, unless he gets what's going to be a big money offer that might entice him into another year, which we're not in the position to do.

"But I thank him for his honesty - at least he didn't sign on and tell me in October he wanted to retire when it's cold and wet and the muck and bullets are flying."