Blue Square North club Corby Town have suffered a blow with the news that striker Mark Stallard will retire from football at the end of the month.
The 34-year-old has made eight appearances for the Steelmen, scoring twice. But, with his second career as a financial advisor now taking off, Stallard feels he can no longer commit to the club in the way he would like.
"The business has just had far more work than we expected and it's taking up all of my time," said Stallard.
"I joined Corby at the start of the season with the intention of combining the financial work with part-time football.
"But such has been the rapid growth of my new career, I cannot commit to the club and play to a standard I would like.
"I was missing training and only turning up for games. I don't think that's fair on the club and I didn't like the fact that I couldn't contribute as I wanted.
"Therefore, it makes sense for me to call it a day at the end of the month and the club get someone in who can give them the commitment they need."
Stallard informed Steelmen boss Graham Drury two weeks that he was thinking of hanging up his boots.
And Drury paid tribute to the striker who signed for Corby from Blue Square Premier side Mansfield Town after making over 500 League appearances for the likes of Derby County, Bradford City and Notts County.
"I wish I could work with more people as honest and professional as Mark Stallard," said Drury.
"He could have just sat there and taken the money each week but he's not that kind of person.
"He's not left us in the lurch either. He's waiting until the end of the month to give us time to get someone in to replace him. He's been a great lad and I wish him all the best for the future."
