Shrewsbury defender Mike Jackson today conceded defeat in his injury battle by announcing his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old defender has been forced to end a professional career which has stretched 18 years after battling a serious knee problem for the last 11 months.

Jackson started 23 games for Shrewsbury in his first season after arriving from Blackpool in the summer of 2008.

But he has not featured since the 3-1 defeat at Luton on February 21 last year.

“It’s just not happening,” said Jackson, who will remain at the club in the coaching role he has occupied for much of this season

“I have tried absolutely everything but the knee is still miles away from where I, or the gaffer, need it to be for professional football.

“I have spoken to two or three surgeons who are the best out there. They all said they would be worried if I went into a tackle and landed awkwardly and with how it would stand up to the day-to-day training.

“If I had further problems they have said there is a risk of a knee replacement and I can’t take that risk.

“There is a long way for me still to go, even without playing football.

“I’m a proud man and I’m gutted to have to call it a day. But I can’t take the chance of being a cripple at this age.

“The manager, chairman and everyone at the club has been fantastic.”

Jackson began his career as a trainee at Crewe, and has also had spells at Bury, Preston and Blackpool during a career which saw him make 658 appearances.

“It’s really disappointing because it’s been a bit of a wash-out at Shrewsbury apart from the first half of my first season,” he added.

“But if someone had said to me that I would have had a near 20-year career and I would have to call it a day through injury having had hardly any problems before, I would probably have taken that.

“I’ve had a good career, played a lot of games and had quite a few promotions.

“I have got to look ahead to the next stage of my career and hopefully that will be as a top class coach – that’s the target.”

Manager Paul Simpson paid tribute to the defender.

“Mike has had a fantastic career,,” said the Town chief.

“Even in the short period he played for us, he showed he is a quality defender and it’s a massive disappointment that he has had to call it a day and we have not seen as much of him as we would have liked.

“But it’s not about playing a few more games in his football career – it’s about getting his knee right for the rest of his life.

“I’ve asked him to stay with us for the rest of the season and help with the coaching and he’s happy to do that which I’m delighted about.”

l Shrewsbury’s home game with Barnet, postponed last Saturday due to a snow-covered pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 9.

Exclusive by JAMES GARRISON