Earle hangs up his boots

Earle will stay involved on the training ground

Wimbledon's Robbie Earle has been forced to retire because of injury.

The 35-year-old midfielder damaged his pancreas in a reserve match last season and he is still having problems.

The Jamaican international said it was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make but added: "When you are told by the country's top pancreatic specialist that "it would be unrealistic to anticipate a fully active return to professional football", the decision is made for you."

Earle, who will go down in history as the first goalscorer in a World Cup for Jamaica, will stay with Wimbledon on the coaching staff.

He has been involved with the club since arriving as a record £900,000 signing from Port Vale in 1991 and made more than 650 appearances for the Dons.