Hartson calls it a day

A week after being shown the door from West Brom former Wales international John Hartson has revealed his retirement from football. Signed from Celtic with big expectations, Hartson's career at Albion lasted just 24 games scoring a meagre six times, including a brace on his debut.

Just 32-years-old 'Big Bad John' had struggled in recent seasons to maintain his fitness levels with former manager Tony Mowbray not considering Hartson for first-team selection this term.

"I'm going to miss that competitive edge. That was my weekend, letting off steam and terrorising centre-halves," Hartson admitted

"But I'm not going to miss training though. To be honest I'd lost my desire to get back into the West Brom side.

"They say you should go down the leagues and just play for enjoyment because it will be easier. It is not.

"I have been fighting my weight for 12 years. I can't have a burger without putting on half a stone."

Says it all really.