Former Claret forced to quit

He's been awarded a benefit by the Spireites, who paid the Clarets £50,000 for his services following a loan spell, this coming just a short time after then Burnley manager Stan Ternent publicly said he would never play for our club again.

It was no surprise then that the player today made no positive reference to the Clarets when he said: “This is the moment all footballers dread and although I hoped I could somehow carry on, the medical advice is clear cut. I have really enjoyed my football, especially my five years at Nottingham Forest and the last eight years at Chesterfield.”

Chesterfield boss Roy McFarland said: “Steve has been a magnificent professional and can be proud of his career, especially his commitment to Chesterfield over the last eight years. It is always a sad time when a player has to retire prematurely from football due to injury but we thank Steve for all he has contributed and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

Blatherwick arrived at Burnley in the summer of 1997 as part of what was supposed to be Chris Waddle's Turf Moor revolution, but he fell out of favour with Lee Howey and Neil Moore getting into the side ahead of him.

He was back in the starting line up again for the following season but half way through the third league game of the season, he was replaced by Matty Heywood and just about an hour later was named as one of four players who would never play for the club again.

His last appearance against the Clarets was at Saltergate in the first round of the League Cup just over three years ago when he received a very warm reception from the Burnley fans. He was stretchered off early in that game after being knocked out following a collision with one of his own players.

Like Roy McFarland, we send him our best wishes.