Gurney calls it a day

Swindon Town defender Andy Gurney has announced his retirement from football.

The 32-year-old had two operations on his ankle in a bid to continue playing, but after failing to make a single appearance for The Robins this season, Gurney has decided to hang up his boots.

A former Bristol Rovers trainee, Gurney played for Torquay United, Reading and Swansea City, while enjoying two spells with Swindon.

New Robins boss Paul Sturrock revealed Gurney's decision to end his days as a professional footballer.

"Andy has been forced to retire due to this recurring injury with his ankle," Sturrock told the club's official website.

"The pain from it has been too much and after a long hard think, he has decided to retire.

"He is gutted and doesn't really want to talk about it as this time, so we thought it best to let everyone know what has happened.

"There have been a lot of discussions between myself, the medical staff and the player and this is the only road we could have gone down.

"I am disappointed for the boy because he has been an honest, hardworking player with a great free kick on him.

"We were hoping that his versatility could have benefited us, but football seems to kick you in the teeth."