RODNEY Marsh, one of Town’s most talented performers in recent years, has sadly announced his retirement from football.

Although not a complete surprise given the injury-plagued seasons the attacking midfielder has suffered in the last few years, the news still comes as a major disappointment for Peacocks’ fans who have enjoyed some superb displays from the local player since his debut over six years ago.

Rodney signed for Town from local Saturday League side Taverners and pulled on the claret and blue shirt for the first time on November 21, 2009 at home to Abingdon United but this debut did not officially count in the record books as the game was abandoned at half time due to a waterlogged pitch.

His recognised debut came a week later away at VT FC (now Sholing) and he went on to make 23 appearances and score seven goals in his first year at the Viridor Stadium, adapting effortlessly to Southern League football.

Marsh went on to top the Town goalscoring charts for the following three seasons including a 22 goal haul for 2012-13 and also scooped the Supporters’ Player and Players’ Player of the Year awards for the 2011-12 campaign.

However a series of injuries restricted Marsh’s appearances for the past two seasons and although registered for 2015-16 he has not featured at all after undergoing surgery during last summer. In total Rodney made 186 appearances for the club (159 full, 27 sub) and scored 66 goals.

Reflecting on his time with the Peacocks, Marsh said: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing for the club and representing the town. I’ve had some great times during my time here including the back to back wins in the Somerset Premier Cup final and I’m proud to have won the Supporters and Players’ Player trophies in 2012 along with various other awards along the way.

"Of course I’ve also played with some cracking players over the seasons I’ve been with Town and made some great friends. I’d also like to thank everyone at the club for their support over the past six and a half years, especially the fans for their loyalty.”

Manager Leigh Robinson paid tribute to Marsh, he said: "It’s disappointing that Rodney's body can't sustain football at this level anymore.

"He was such a dynamic and gifted goalscorer during my time at the club and certainly before it when he was probably at his peak.

"The biggest shame is that he spent the vast majority of his time at the club in weaker sides, rescuing them from the lower reaches of the table, much like in my first year at the club. I can only imagine the damage he'd have caused in the last two seasons when we've built a really good all round side.

"He leaves with many good memories of electrifying runs, fantastic finishes and a magnificently taken hat-trick at Bridgwater three years ago...anyone who saw it will know what I mean. We wish him all the best.”