OTJ forced to retire because of ongoing knee problems

Former Hibs’ midfielder Owain Tudur Jones (pictured) has been forced to retire from football because of ongoing knee problems.

The 30 year-old started his career at local side Bangor City and went on to play for clubs including Swansea, Swindon, Norwich and Inverness Caledonian Thistle from where Pat Fenlon brought him to Easter Road.

He was quickly joined at the club by his former ICT manager Terry Butcher but injuries meant that he only played 19 times before moving to Falkirk.

He won seven Wales caps after his debut against Luxembourg in March, 2008.

Last night Tudur Jones said: “I have been advised by the knee specialist that it is in my best interests to retire from football due to a knee injury

“I would like to go on record to thank Falkirk FC, in particular [director] Ronnie Bateman, [manager] Peter Houston and club physio Kris Robertson for all of their help during this time and I wish them the very best as they chase a play-off spot and Scottish Cup success.”

Several of his ex teammates including Chris Hogg, Danny Handling, Alex Harris and Rowan Vine have expressed their condolences on twitter.

Photo by John Preece