Garnett finished at Athletic

Last updated : 15 January 2002 By Dave Moore

Shaun Garnett has played his last match for Athletic after being told he needs major surgery on his knee. The
32-year-old has cruciate-ligament damage – one of the worst injuries a footballer can suffer. It will keep him
out for up to nine months, but the big defender’s contract expires in the summer. He was recently told he could
leave Boundary Park and, after six years of service, the club won’t offer him a new deal. Garnett was injured at
Colchester in September, hurting ligaments as Athletic suffered their first defeat of the season. He attempted a
comeback before Christmas but was forced out of the reserve game at former club Tranmere.

Tests have now shown the severity of the problem, which has been known to end players’ careers – Neil Adams
retired last summer after a similar setback. The news is a massive blow to Garnett as he will struggle to find a
new club while on the sidelines. The Scouser has played almost 200 games for Athletic since his arrival from
Swansea for £150,000. He could eventually move into coaching and has already taken steps with a part-time
role in Tranmere’s School of Excellence.