Piercy calls it quits

Brighton midfielder John Piercy has been forced to retire from professional football.

The 25-year-old is suffering from the energy-sapping illness colitis (inflammation of the colon) and the condition has left him unable to compete physically at Championship level.

Piercy had been restricted to just two appearances this season, with his farewell coming in the home defeat to Crewe Alexandra last Saturday.

He admits he has opted to quit immediately, rather than drag the situation out until the end of the season.

"The fact is I have got no energy at all," Piercy told the Brighton Argus.

"I could have gone on until the end of the season feeling like that but that would not have been fair to the gaffer and the other lads.

"I don't want to be out there letting anyone down."

Piercy joined The Seagulls from Tottenham over two years ago and made 36 appearances during his time at The Withdean Stadium.

Brighton boss Mark McGhee paid tribute to the midfielder and is thankful Piercy was able to bow out on the back of a first team appearance.

"I think it's tragic news," said McGhee. "I had talks with John and his father on Sunday and Monday and he's come to the conclusion that he can't do himself justice.

"He felt very frustrated on Saturday. He knows his capabilities and I know his capabilities. He's a player that could easily cope with the standard of The Championship.

"I'm glad that I did include him because he's finished his career having played in the first team."