Former Bradford City and Rotherham United forward Matt Derbyshire has announced his retirement at the age of 38.
Derbsyhire, a well-travelled frontman, played in all four divisions of English football over the course of his 20-year career. He was most recently on the books of Bradford, who dismissed the veteran marksman at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Derbyshire just returned to his former club, Blackburn Rovers, to take on a coaching position. He has now confirmed that his playing career is officially over. In an Instagram post, he stated, “What a privilege in life to play this lovely game of football. I’ve never taken a single day for granted, waking up and having the ability to
Blackburn signed Derbyshire from non-league Great Harwood Town in 2003. He spent six years with Rovers before going on to play for Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Rotherham.
Derbyshire spent significant chunks of his career abroad, including stints in Greece, Cyprus, Australia, and India.
He said: “It [his profession] has given me the opportunity to play for my hometown club, Blackburn Rovers, which I adored as a child and where I made my Premier League debut. I couldn’t and would not have chosen a finer club to begin my adventure, and I will be eternally thankful to them.
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