 Blatherwick had been with Chesterfield for eight years |
Chesterfield defender Steve Blatherwick has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of 32, on medical advice. Blatherwick had not played since March because of a back injury - and was advised by a specialist to quit.
He has agreed a settlement with the Spireites, and has also been offered a benefit match at Saltergate to reflect his eight years' service to the club.
"This is the moment all footballers dread - but the medical advice is clear-cut," he told the club website.
Boss Roy McFarland added: "Steve has been a magnificent professional and can be proud of his career.
"It is always a sad time when a player has to retire prematurely due to injury, but we wish him and his family all the best for the future."
Nottingham-born Blatherwick began his career at Notts County but without making an appearance for them, moved to neighbours Nottingham Forest.
After loan spells at Wycombe, Hereford and Reading, he joined Burnley for �125,000 in 1997 but moved to Chesterfield a year later after a successful loan spell.
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