“It is with a heavy heart I have had to part ways with Lincoln United. Unfortunately, I have had to make a decision regarding my long road back from injury and that decision has been to retire from playing.

“Although I feel strong, fit and hungry to play, I have to be sensible and do what is right for me and my family and the risk of injury is just too much.

“My plan was always to finish my career at this club, a club I was given a chance with over 15 years ago by John Wilkinson, who set me on my way in my career.

“The hope was to finish it playing regularly and back to my best, sadly that hasn't materialised.

“I am thankful to Sam for giving me the opportunity to be his assistant. It was a role I'm very proud to have fulfilled and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sam and the players.

“Although I could have stayed under that role, the frustration of not being able to play would be too much.

“I finally want to wish Sam, the players and the club all the best for the future. I will be supporting them from afar.”

Manager Sam Wilkinson obviously disappointed at his loss said: “I'm gutted that Chris has decided to call it a day at the club, but I fully respect his decision.

“Involvement in non-league football requires a massive commitment in terms of time spent training, travelling, playing and holding down a full time job; Sometimes other considerations have to take priority.

Sam went on to say: “He will be missed in a number of ways. Personally he was always there for me and has had a calming influence in and around the changing rooms and on the side lines. He brought great football knowledge to our management team and was a great assistant manager for Lincoln United.”

Chairman Rob Bradley added “On behalf of the club as a whole I would like to thank Chris for the work he has done in developing our playing squad to the level it is now. His experience in the game and contribution he has made has been extremely valuable and we wish him well in the future.”

The Assistant Manager position has not remained vacated for long as Sam Wilkinson has appointed Stuart Reddington to take on the role. He will be supported by Martin Burnett.

The club would like to thank Chris for the work he has done with Lincoln United and hope to see him at the Sun-Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium supporting the Whites.

Mark Hall