Shrewsbury Town's Mike Jackson retires with injury

Jackson's last game was a 3-1 loss to Luton in February

Shrewsbury defender Mike Jackson has been forced to retire after being out for 11 months with a knee injury.

The 36-year-old, who joined from Blackpool in 2008, will stay at Town in a coaching role at least until May.

He told BBC Radio Shropshire: "I'm gutted. I've tried everything but it's got worse. Playing again could have meant a complete knee cap replacement.

"I also feel embarrassed. I was brought here to play, the club invested money in me, and I've lasted half a season."

He continued: "It's been hard from a footballing point of view but also from a family point of view.

"I've got two young children and I've

not been able to play with them and go out with them like a normal person would do.

"I've spent so long on crutches, and I tried to step it up recently, but the bone specialist says the knee can't take it.

"The decision was inevitable, but also a hard one. Football's something I've done all my life, and is something I love doing. I've had a good career - but I've got to move on.

"The manager (Paul Simpson) has been brilliant with me. He's given me the opportunity to be involved with the coaching side of it, and that's my next goal - to be a top coach, a manager.

He'll continue to work on the coaching side here, which is good news for the club

Manager Paul Simpson

"I've done my coaching qualifications, and this could be a new start.

"You can either sit and wallow in it, like I probably will for a couple of days, or you get on with it.

"I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to play football and now I want to move on and do something I'm passionate about as well."

Jackson made his debut for Crewe in the 1992-93 season, and later had long spells at Preston, Bury, Tranmere and Blackpool - clocking up more than 600 appearances in his professional career.

"It's a massive disappointment for Jacko, but he's got to look to his long-term health," said Shrews boss Simpson.

"He'll continue to work on the coaching side here, which is good news for the club. He has the respect of all the staff and players."