Blyth Spartans goalkeeper Peter Jeffries has informed the club that he is retiring from football with immediate effect.
After signing for the club in 2014, the former Hartlepool United, Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Town stopper starred in Spartans’ run to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round during the 2014/15 season. However, the 29-year-old was on his way after just one season – as he joined Northern League side Consett last summer.
Jeffries made a return to Croft Park ahead of the 2016/17 season, but has made the decision to hang up his gloves – following a discussion with Blyth manager Alun Armstrong a couple of weeks ago.
Armstrong said: “I came into training ready to do some work on the Thursday after the Spennymoor game and he asked to have a chat. He just came out with it and he said ‘I’m retiring, I’m jacking it in’.
“To say that I was shocked was an understatement. It’s a strange one – as it came totally out of the blue – but it’s given Adam McHugh the chance to go on and cement his place in the starting 11.
“Peter has been a fantastic servant to this club and, maybe, he’s just got something else on his mind or thinks he can’t do what he used to be able to. No one knows why, only Peter.
“He wants to stop playing, so we have to respect his decision.”
The club would like to wish Peter the best of luck for the future and thank him for all of his efforts for Blyth Spartans.