SAM Ricketts has paid tribute to everyone who played a role in his career after being forced to retire aged 35 through injury.

The defender came through the youth set-up at Oxford United, making 48 appearances before being released in 2003.

He might have been expecting to face the U’s tomorrow at the Kassam Stadium with Coventry City, for whom he played ten games this season.

But after taking medical advice on a knee injury, Ricketts hung up his boots this week.

The former Wales international said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me to fulfil every boy’s dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“I am grateful to all of the managers, coaches and teammates that I have had the honour of working with and learning from throughout my career.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the brilliant supporters of the clubs I have played at for always offering me their wholehearted support.”

Coventry have sold out their allocation for tomorrow’s game, so will be backed by almost 1,500 supporters.

It is their first competitive game away to the U’s since November 1987, when both teams were in the top flight.