Sefton Rangers, already rocked by news of Phil "The Sauce" Shaw's transfer to Telford, were reeling again today when first-choice left-back Paddy Healey announced his retirement.
Teenage protege Paddy, 24, was forced to quit the game due to a knee injury he incurred during an X-rated challenge on an opposition winger.
"I'm finished," he said.
Paddy had made his name with exactly the kind of no-hold barred, no quarters-given, no stone unturned, no questions asked, no prisoners taken, tackle which eventually caused his injury.
His uncompromising attitude made him a tough proposition for any opposition attackers. And his carefree nature made him a fairly easy proposition for any opposition attackers' wives.
Veteran Italian full-back Franco Baresi (pictured) was amongst the first to pay tribute. "He was one of a kind, in fact there is only me and him like it anywhere in the world," he said. "Kick first, exchange phone numbers later, that was our attitude."
Paddy refused to comment on his sad demise, but he has been seen dining with Peter Swales recently which suggests he is taking advice from the upper eschelons of the game to help him in his new role as chairman.
But responding to allegations linking him with Michael Jackson's vice ring, he said: "Blow it out yer arse big boy."
