Cox joined Crewe in 2006 from Cardiff City. (Getty)

Crewe captain Neil Cox has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.

"It's something that has been on my mind for the last four or five years," Cox told BBC Radio Stoke.

First team coach Steve Holland said: "I've got nothing but respect for the way that Neil has carried himself both on and off the field."

The 36-year-old began his career at Scunthorpe in 1990 and has played in over 600 senior games.

A shoulder injury has kept the former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Bolton and Watford man out of action since February and he says that this has played a part in his decision.

"The injury has given me time to step back, take a look around and decide what I want to do.

"Even before I got the injury I was playing in midfield and finding that quite difficult which led me to believe that now is the right time."

Cox will be in the squad for Saturday's crunch relegation clash with Cheltenham and Holland is pleased to have his most experienced player available again.

"It's good to have him back and I'm sure he'll play his part in the remaining games," said Holland.

"Hopefully we can finish on a high and ensure that we stop up," Cox added.