WARRINGTON Town midfielder Steve Jennings has been forced to retire through injury.

The 35-year-old, whose professional career spanned more than 300 appearances, has called time due to persistent knee problems.

The last of Jennings’ 10 appearances for Town this season was the 1-1 draw with Basford United on December 14 having returned for his second spell at Cantilever Park in the summer.

He had previously enjoyed four separate spells, including one loan stay, at Tranmere Rovers and also turned out for Coventry City, Port Vale, Southport, Barrow and Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

Jennings is the second Warrington player to hang up his boots this season after Greg Tansey was forced to quit through persistent injury in October.

Yellows boss Paul Carden says the door will always be open for Jennings to return to Cantilever Park in a non-playing capacity.

“It is desperately sad because of the career he’s had,” he said.

“He felt he wasn’t doing himself or the team justice and he didn’t want to be a hindrance to us.

“He’s taken the decision to quit, which happens to everybody but you want to call time when you’re ready and not when your body fails.

“Unfortunately, he’s had ongoing issues and he’s come to the conclusion that he’s not doing himself or us any favours.

“He’s had a fantastic career, is a great lad and he’ll always be welcome here. He can look back and be very proud of the career he’s had.

“The door will always be open for him here. He’s doing his coaching badges now so he’s on the road to that.

“He’s a part of us – there’s no reason why he can’t come back and help in another capacity.”

Yellows have also confirmed two more players have left the club.

Left-back Louis Barnes, who joined from Nantwich in the summer, and striker Sheldon Jordan are both no longer part of Carden's squad.

Barnes' season has been disrupted by injury and since his return, the form of Tom Warren has meant he has found games hard to come by.