Richard Marshall has been told to retire for medical reasons
Non League great and Farsley Celtic attacker Richard Marshall has been told to retire because of injury at the age of 31.
Whilst the term ‘great’ is overused, Marshall’s achievements during his ten-year Non League career mean he deserves its.
Marshall first came to prominence at Harrogate Railway as a young and lively attacker. He went onto be part of the Railway team which won national headlines after reaching the FA Cup second round in 2007. He played in the televised clash with League Two outfit Mansfield Town which Railway narrowly lost 3-2.
Marshall went onto make a name for himself at Harrogate Town, FC Halifax Town and Bradford (Park Avenue) – winning numerous promotions and playing in multiple FA Cup first round ties. His pace was a key attribute.
In the last couple of years, Farsley has been his home and he scored the crucial last minute equaliser in their play-off final victory over Ossett Town earlier this year.
Farsley Gaz Liversedge told the club’s website: “It’s really unfortunate news regarding Scooby. A MRI scan has shown advanced arthritis in his hip and some issue with the bone so the Orthopedic consultant has confirmed he must retire.
“There is no surgical solution at this stage for him. It’s is terrible news for someone so young to give up a sport he loves and had a lot more to give. From only seven months ago scoring the equaliser in the play off final to having to retire. It shows you that you firstly should appreciate and love your chosen sport you do, as it can be taken away in an instant.”