Oatway calls it a day
03 Aug 2007 - 12:34:32
Brighton captain Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire from professional football after suffering another serious injury.
The 33-year-old sustained a knee injury in the pre-season friendly against Billericay as he attempted to return to action after being sidelined for 18 months with a broken ankle.
Oatway told the Seagulls' official website: "It's been a nightmare over the past year-and-a-half, but having come back from one major injury I was hopeful of making a full return to action.
"However, to suffer another just as serious left me facing a difficult decision.
"It's with an extremely heavy heart that I've made the decision to quit the professional game - as I always felt I had a few more years left to offer - but I have very little choice for the sake of my future health."
Oatway scored eight goals in 224 League appearances during an eight-year spell with the Seagulls having previously played for Cardiff City, Torquay United and Brentford.