Darlington striker Glenn Naylor last night announced his retirement from the game after failing to recover from a serious knee injury.

The York-born forward has seemingly admitted defeat in his bid to overcome knee ligament damage after several failed comebacks.

The 30-year-old has made just one start for Quakers this season and despite making a scoring return against Bury over a fortnight ago, Naylor revealed his is still some way off full fitness.

"It's been a tough decision but I honestly don't think I could have carried on for much longer," said Naylor.

"It's been on my mind for a while and I could have given it another go but in the end I've just thought enough is enough and it's time to call it a day.

"I met with Mick (Tait) at the start of the week and I said I would think things over.

"I sat down with my parents and my girlfriend to talk about it and although it hasn't been easy it's a decision I've had to make."

Naylor moved to Feethams initially on loan from home-town club York City in 1995 and after impressing he returned on a permanent basis in September 1996 on a free transfer.

In 2001 he finished as the club's leading scorer with 15 goals, although his season was marred when he damaged knee ligaments against Blackpool on the final day.

Since then Naylor has made just seven starts after suffering several setbacks in his bid to return to full fitness. The last two years have been terrible really and it's been one thing after another," said Naylor

"I've had many happy memories at Darlington and I've probably played the best football of my career here.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it apart from the times I've been injured!"

Naylor made over 200 appearances for Quakers, scoring over 50 goals, and caretaker boss Mick Tait was quick to pay tribute to the striker, saying: "I'm sure I'm speaking on behalf of everyone at the club when I say I wish him well for the future," said Tait.

"He's had to take the decision and we know it hasn't been easy for him but it's something he has had too take seriously because it could easily affect him in the future."

* Adam Reed and Paul Campbell scored in Monday night's win over Scarborough and the pair were on the scoresheet again last night in a 4-2 win over Lincoln at Feethams, with defender Reed notching a penalty. The other goals came from youth team player Christopher Hughes and Neil Wainwright.

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