ANTHONY Robbins said he had to put his health first after deciding to retire from football.

The central midfielder was back at Westfields this season, but a long-standing back injury has restricted his game time at allpay.park and he felt it was best to call it a day.

"I rang [manager] Sean Edwards a couple of weeks ago because I hadn't got going this year and it's leading to other injuries," said Robbins, who is a roofer by trade.

"For the past couple of years, I've only been about 70% fit and this season has been hard and it really started to affect my life.

"Around Christmas time, I made the decision and I spoke to Sean about and said it was best that I retire.

"He agreed but told me not to retire just yet and to just have some time off.

"But it's not going to get any better and sometimes I've struggled to get up in the morning.

"I'm at the stage of my life now that I cannot carry on with part-time football, which is gutting.

"But in 10 years' time, I don't want to be pushed around in a wheelchair."

Robbins enjoyed back-to-back runners-up spots with Westfields in the Midland League back in 2012 and 2013 before finishing second with Pegasus in the West Midlands League Premier Division the following season.

"I've had a great 12 to 14 years playing senior football in Hereford," said Robbins.

"I went to Hereford and was proud that I helped them win the Midland League.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't play in the FA Vase for them and whenever I was available to play, they had a Vase match.

"But I sat on the bench at Wembley and had the best seat there s a fan."