Flitcroft forced into retirement
Sheffield United midfielder Garry Flitcroft has been forced to hang up his boots.
Sheffield United midfielder Garry Flitcroft has been forced to hang up his boots due to injury.The 33-year-old only managed to make six appearances after joining The Blades on a short term contract from Blackburn in January, and both the player and his club have agreed that he is no longer able to participate at the required level due to injury concerns.
As a result Neil Warnock's side have not taken up an option to extend his deal, and Flitcroft has called time on his career.
"Garry had always maintained we would see the best of him in August after a full pre-season programme," Warnock told the club's official website.
"So this is a blow because Garry's Premiership experience would have been invaluable to us next season."
The Bolton born midfielder started his career at Manchester City, spending an early loan spell at Bury, and he captained the side during a five-year career at Maine Road.
After a £3.5 million switch to Blackburn Rovers in 1996 Flitcroft went on to play 282 games in a career lasting nearly ten years at Ewood Park.
Robbie Savage's arrival at Rovers in January 2005 meant Flitcroft's first team chances became limited under Mark Hughes, and his final contribution to the game was assisting The Blades in their successful campaign for promotion last season.
