Striker Michael Boulding has retired from professional football after pulling out of a move to Crewe. Boulding, 29, was released by Barnsley at the end of last season.
He was ranked in the top 20 tennis players in Britain - and shared a room with Tim Henman when travelling on tour - before he switched sports in 1999.
Crewe boss Dario Gradi explained: "He told me he was going to retire because he didn't want to sit on the bench all season - or drop down the divisions."
Boulding's football career began at Mansfield, before spells with Grimsby (twice), Aston Villa and Barnsley - while he also served Sheffield United and Cardiff on loan. Gradi continued: "It's a shame, but I understand his decision and I think he runs a property business which he can concentrate on.
"The lad also lives in Sheffield, so it's a long way to travel if he isn't playing regularly. He's a very nice lad, I have grown to like him and I would like to wish him all the best."
MMIX
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