Despite footballers being paid a sackload of cash, it’s always a shame to hear about injury bringing an end to their playing career. At least in this case, we are talking about someone who has reached the age of 36 before calling it a day, rather than a youngster with plenty of potential who never gets that shot at the big time.

The Daily Mail reports that it’s all over red rover for Alan Stubbs, who is expected to announce his retirement from the game after suffering a knee injury. The Derby central defender featured in their first match of the season against Doncaster, but was subsituted in that match on the hour mark and will not be seen in action ever again.

Jewell said: ‘It’s a real shame because Alan isn’t just a great pro and a terrific player but a leader and a great human being.

‘He’s had a magnificent career and has every reason to be immensely proud of what he’s achieved in the game, especially considering some of the adversity he’s had to overcome.’

Indeed, let’s not forget that this is a man who has twice beaten off testicular cancer and has always been an honest player, ever since he began his career at Bolton. Derby fans will be disappointed to lose such an experienced player at such an early stage of the season.

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