Woodley United’s Adam Barnard has been forced to retire, the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East midfielder has announced.
Described as a ‘handy ginger b******’ by occasional team mate Harry Oakley, ‘Barney’ was a mainstay of the successful Finchampstead side of the last 10 years and went on to captain both Sandhurst Town and current side Woodley.
Posting on twitter, 31-year-old Barnard said: “Being forced to retire from football early. Absolutely devastated. Hardly kicked a ball this season and to now be told to stop is very hard to take. Thanks to Finchampstead, Sandhurst Town, Woodley and all the lads I have met over the last 26 years.”
Barnard revealed in a further tweet why he’d been forced to hang up his boots: “Next to no cartilage left in the outside of my knee, will need a knee replacement if I continue.”
Both team mates past and present as well as opponents have been quick to respond to the news, leaving no one in any doubt the type of player he was (beware, the language gets a bit fruity at times..)
Football in Berkshire would like to wish Adam all the best for the future, thanks for all your support Barney.
