ESPNsoccernet: England

Derby defender Alan Stubbs has been forced to retire following a recurrence of a troublesome knee injury.

The 36-year-old made the decision after scans revealed a return of the problem that prematurely ended his campaign in April last season and saw him undergo surgery.

Stubbs was forced off on the opening day of the Coca-Cola Championship season against Doncaster.

County chairman Adam Pearson paid tribute to the experienced centre-half, saying: 'It is a blow because Alan Stubbs is not just a great player and organiser, he is also a fantastic leader and a great human being.

'The way he has handled himself over this injury and being forced to call it a day is testament to the kind of person he is.'

Stubbs, who moved to Pride Park in January on an 18-month deal, began his career at Bolton in 1990 and also played for Celtic, Everton, where he had two spells, and Sunderland and twice overcame testicular cancer.

He made 596 career appearances and scored 27 goals.