Neil Harris announces retirement

Southend United striker Neil Harris has announced his retirement from professional football after 16 years in the game.

The 35-year-old, who also played for Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Gillingham, has hung up his boots due to a persistent knee injury.

Harris has been linked with a coaching role at Millwall.

"I enjoyed every minute of my time at Roots Hall but unfortunately due to injury I have had to end what has been a very enjoyable career," BBC Sport quotes Harris as saying.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Southend United and realised a boyhood dream by playing for the club I used to watch from the North Bank.

"I enjoyed every minute of my time at Roots Hall but unfortunately due to injury I have had to end what has been a very enjoyable career. I am now looking ahead to the future and the rest of my life."

Harris scored 10 goals in 52 games for Southend.