Derry City legend Liam Coyle has called time on an illustrious career spanning 17 years. The 35-year-old has struggled with injury over the past 18 months and took the decision to hand up his boots despite being contracted to the Candystripes until next May.
The striker, who won a single Northern Ireland cap, netted a total of 112 goals in 390 competitive appearances for Derry and will continue his association with the club acting as chief scout.
"I've had a chat with manager, Gavin Dykes and chairman, Jim Roddy, regarding my future and I'm delighted with the result," Coyle said yesterday.
"I've been playing for 17 years at the top level domestically and I've enjoyed some magnificent occasions. But I've just completed a difficult season when injuries simply didn't heal as quickly as they would have done in years gone by.
"Derry City remains in the Premier Division after a major scare last season and I feel the time is now right for me to hang up my boots."