Paul Anderson, former Ipswich Town winger, has declared his retirement from football.
The 35-year-old joined the Blues from Bristol City as part of a transaction in which Jay Emmanuel-Thomas moved in the opposite direction in summer 2013.
Anderson went on to feature in 70 games for Town, scoring seven goals, including a spectacular strike against Norwich City in the play-off semi-final at Portman Road.
He left the Blues in the summer of 2015 and has since played for Bradford City, Mansfield, Plymouth, and Northampton, helping the latter gain promotion to League One in 2020.
Since then, the winger has been out of the professional game, having returned to his hometown club Melton Town in August 2021.
The former England Under-19 international began his professional career with Liverpool before moving on to Swansea City (on loan) and Nottingham Forest.
Anderson announced his retirement on social media, saying: “It’s taken a while to get my message out, but I’ve officially retired from football.
“Reflecting on my 20 years. The game reminded me of all the people to whom I am grateful. I learned from and played for these coaches and managers. The fans’ support has always meant a lot to me.
“My teammates, many of whom became mentors and friends.” Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in helping me perform to the best of my abilities. It was an honour to play beside you.
“Special appreciation to my family. Mum and dad, you devoted so much of your time to driving me throughout the country and cheering me on at every game. I could not have accomplished what I did without you.
“To my wife, I’ll never forget how you put your goals on hold so I could pursue mine. You were there for me through the highs and lows, reminding me of my worth during the most difficult years of my career.
“To my children, I hope that one day you will look back and be proud of your father, and that I have instilled in you the belief that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
“My desire as a young boy was to play football, but I never envisaged the journey ahead of me. It’s been an honor to play for some of the world’s most prestigious clubs alongside my idols and some of the best players and coaches.
“What happens next?” I’m passionate about giving back and passing on my expertise and experience to the future generation. My playing career is over, but my coaching career has only just begun, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
He is now the U15s head coach at Derby County and owns his own coaching academy.
Here’s to retirement!! Thank you!! pic.twitter.com/23ItTxT9mh
— Paul Anderson (@P18NDO) June 15, 2024