FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Gary Doherty has called time on his career at the age of 34.
The Donegal-born footballer, most recently on the books at Wycombe Wanderers, has been forced to retire due to a knee suffered in pre-season.
His first experience in English football was with Luton Town before he joined Tottenham Hotspur for £1million in 2000. After four years, the man nicknamed ‘The Ginger Pele’ by Spurs fans departed for Norwich City. He later had a spell with Charlton Athletic and made 501 club appearances in total.
Capped 34 times for Ireland, Doherty was comfortable at centre forward and in defence. He made his senior international debut against Greece in 2000 and went on to score four international goals.
“It’s the hardest decision for any footballer to have to make,” Doherty said. “You always hope you’ll be able to retire in your own time when it’s right for you, but injury has forced my hand and it’s one of those things you have to deal with.
“The gaffer has put together a really strong team and I would have loved to have been a part of it for the rest of the season. I hope they can continue the fantastic run they’ve been on because there’s a great set of lads in that dressing room.”
Here is some Twitter reaction to the news:
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7-0 wow
Luton must be as bad as Man Utd
@O’Brien Michael: Very funny,,true though
@O’Brien Michael: at least your consistent!
@O’Brien Michael: sad
Bottom of the league next year!