Love calls time on Raiders career

Love will have his number six shirt retired in his honour

Plymouth Raiders captain Gavin Love has retired from basketball after a 13-year career at the club.

The 29-year-old, who has suffered a number of injuries in recent years, has been with the Raiders since they were an English Basketball League team.

Love has been hit by a crumbling disc in his back, a ruptured Achilles tendon and an ankle injury this season.

"I like to think that I have left the team in a better position than when I took over as captain," he said.

"I've had the honour of playing with some fantastic players over the past 13 years and have made a lot of friends.

"It's strange to think that I've pulled on the green shirt for the last time but I'll always be a Raiders fan and will still come to games to support the team," he added.

Love has won seven trophies in his time at Plymouth, including the BBL Trophy against Newcastle Eagles in 2007.

"Gavin Love has been a fantastic player for this team," said Raiders head coach Gary Stronach.

"If you cut Gavin he would bleed green, that's how much this team means to him.

He's been a wonderful captain and the team has come on in leaps and bounds since he took over that role

Plymouth Raiders head coach Gary Stronach

"He has given everything he could for 13 years. He's battled through numerous injuries but each time he's shown his determination to get back on court and lead the team.

"He's been a wonderful captain and the team has come on in leaps and bounds since he took over that role," he added.

Love was selected for a GB training camp in the summer of 2007 but had to pull out because of an Achilles injury.

The club will honour him during the BBL Trophy semi-final first leg against Guildford Heat on Saturday 14 February when they retire his number six shirt.

He is only the second person in club history to have his shirt number retired, the first being current head coach Gary Stornach, who saw his number 14 shirt retired at the end of his career.

The Raiders, who have recently signed American Gerald Robinson, will now be looking for another player to replace him.