Former Blackpool and Preston forward Brett Ormerod has announced his retirement after nearly 20 years in football.
The 39-year-old started his career as a schoolboy at Blackburn Rovers and was released from Ewood Park in the same year Rovers claimed the Premier League title.
Accrington Stanley came calling and soon after it was the Tangerines, who Ormerod would enjoy two spells with including victorious trips to the Millennium Stadium and Wembley.
It was at Wembley in 2010 where Ormerod won his legendary status, netting the goal that would seal Blackpool’s promotion to the Premier League in a 3-2 win over Cardiff City.
From playing in front of 82,244 fans, Ormerod dropped down the leagues following his exit from Bloomfield Road in 2012, kitting up this season for Bamber Bridge FC who compete in the Evo-Stik League First Division North – the seventh tier of English football.
On his retirement the forward tweeted: “At 39, it’s time to hang up the boots. A big thanks to family and friends and everyone who has supported me. It’s been a crazy ride. Thanks!”
A game to remember: Ormerod made 435 appearances in his professional career, with one of his most memorable coming at Wembley (photo by Action Images)
