Kelly retires.

The 38-year old injured his hand whilst playing for Leigh RMI against Chester last boxing day. The wound was originally misdiagnosed as a broken thumb. Instead, futher tests showed that the Northern Ireland 'B' international had ruptured ligaments in his hand and thumb. Gary was advised to retire on medical grounds, as attempts to try and repair the injury could have led to him losing his thumb.

So after consulting his family the veteren of over 500 league appearances in a 22 years long professional career has called it a day. In that time Gary appeared for several clubs, including Oldham, Bury, Sheffield United and most recently Leigh RMI.

We wish Gary a happy retirement.

Another ex Latic with injury problems is Chris Armstrong. Athletic signed the left-sided defender from Bury for £200, 000; but sold him for just half that in the dying days of the Chris Moore reign. At his new club, Sheffield United, he has managed only 5 starts since his move last year due to a serious knee problem. Indeed, the problem is so severe that the 22-year old may be forced to retire from football.