Anderton Retires

Bristol Rovers Nick Anderton has sadly had to retire.

Anderton who turns 27 today was diagnosed in July 2022 with osteosarcoma and is completing a course of chemotherapy, he then had surgery in October to remove a tumour from his right femur, and later had a full knee replacement and 12cm of his femur replaced.

In Statement Anderton said "I've had six months to prepare some words for this moment and I still don't know what to say," Anderton wrote. "It's been extremely difficult to come to terms with but I've decided today is the day to announce at the age of 26 I have to retire from professional football. 

"This is due to an operation I had in October 2022 to remove a cancerous tumour from my right femur. This resulted in a complete knee replacement, and a further 12cm of my femur replaced. There was optimism that I could return to playing after the initial planned operation/treatment but a scan five days prior revealed it would not be safe if they didn't replace the full joint, therefore the operation changed.

"Looking back on the last 10 years, I have nothing but fond memories. To every club I've represented, thank you for the opportunity. To every manager and coach I've worked under, thank you for the time you've invested in me. To every player I've shared a dressing room with and every player I've competed against on the pitch, thank you. It's been an absolute pleasure.

"I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who sent messages, donated and said a prayer. Your kind words and support for my family throughout this journey has been incredible and we can't thank you enough. It's given me even more motivation to continue fighting and to complete every single millilitre of chemotherapy that I need. Thank you, Nick."

During every game Gasheads give a minute applause for Nick on 16 minutes, the shirt he wore whilst playing for Rovers.