Cambridge-raised defender Sam Spencer forced to retire aged 29 on medical advice

At the age of 29, Sam Spencer should be at the peak of his footballing powers.

But the Soham Town Rangers defender went into Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Mulbarton Wanderers knowing that it would be the last competitive match he would feature in.

The last three years have been tough for Cambridge-raised Spencer, who has been plagued by a succession of knee injuries.

And the latest of those – a re-tear of the meniscus coupled with a large chunk of missing cartilage – has proven to be too much for his body, leaving Spencer with no option but to hang up his boots on medical advice.

“Until the troubles with the knee started, I’d never been a player that struggled for fitness,” said Spencer, who rejoined Soham in September last year from Deeping Rangers. “I’d always been someone that played 40 or 50 games a season.

“I’ve always been a determined person and played that way as well. I knew I had a problem but I didn’t expect the specialist to portray it in the way he did, it was a real shock.

“It was made clear to me that I needed to stop now to make sure I had some quality of life a few years down the line.

“It was a pretty surreal feeling going into Saturday knowing it was the last time I’d play a competitive game of football. I’m not someone that gets emotional but I’ve been overwhelmed by the messages I’ve received.

“Since the age of 26 I’ve only been able to play football for about four months and that’s the toughest part of this – I’m not even 30 yet.

“But for the last six weeks or so it’s been hard. After games I’ve been having to go slowly, one leg at a time down the stairs and things like that.

“I’ve not got kids yet, but if I wasn’t able to go for a kickabout with them and things like that later in life I’d be gutted. It’s tough but it’s a decision I had to take.”

Yet while his playing days may have ended prematurely, Spencer will remain involved at Soham.

Manager Lloyd Groves has offered him the opportunity to be part of his coaching set-up, and he believes that keeping himself busy will be important to his mental health.

The former Wisbech Town and Yaxley player added: “Whatever level you play at, training and playing during the week and then matches at the weekend are so important to you.

“The lads that have retired always say it’s the changing room they miss the most, all the banter and friendship, and that’s something I’ll still have thanks to Lloyd.

“I’m not someone that is easily fazed mentally but I’ve been playing football for so long and I know I’d struggle if I lost it completely.

“I’m not quite sure what the role will look like at the moment – I’ll be the cone boy if they want me to be!

“In the changing room I’ll still be the same person I’ve always been. I’ll still be motivating the boys and I want to help out any way that I can.”