Stallard bows out from Steelmen

Stallard played eight games for Corby and scored twice

Veteran striker Mark Stallard has left Corby Town, playing the last game of his career against Stafford Rangers.

The 34-year-old has decided to concentrate on his career in business, having played for 12 clubs, made 506 appearances and scored 144 goals.

Steelmen manager Graham Drury told BBC Radio Northampton: "He's been a great influence on the younger guys, even in such a short amount of time.

"He's had a fantastic career, a true pro and a lovely guy to work with."

Corby have recalled striker Jack Defty from a loan spell AFC Sudbury. He scored 13 goals in 11 appearances for the Southern Football League Division One Midlands side.

"Jack is in good form, fully fit and it's the right time to have him back. I've got a good feeling about him, he will light this league up," added Drury.

Stallard began his career as trainee at Derby County in 1991 where he stayed until 1996 - aside from loans at Fulham and Bradford before signing for the Bantams.

He left the Yorkshire club just over a year later (during which time he went on loan to Preston) before joining Wycombe.

Two years later he moved to Notts County in 1999 where he stayed until 2004 and where he would return on loan just 12 months later.

Stallard also had loan spells at Barnsley, Chesterfield, Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Mansfield.