Goalkeeper Darren Ward has announced his retirement as a player, after being informed that he will not be offered a new deal at Sunderland AFC.
Ward suffered a series of back problems, which has taken its toll on the 35 year old, Ward said "I still have a great appetite for football, but unfortunately my body hasn't, so it's a no-brainer for me to retire from playing."
Ward hasn't played since December 2007, and with both Craig Gordon and Marton Fulop in a battle for Sunderland's first choice keeper, Ward never even got close to a seat on the bench.
Although the Welsh international will no longer play professional football, he still has a great desire to stay part of the game in a coaching capacity.
I would like to thank Darren Ward as I am sure I speak for the Sunderland fans, for providing our club with a fantastic service and did his fair share in getting our team into the Premiership.