Former Town defender Alex Bruce has announced his retirement at the age of 36.

Bruce, who won two full caps with the Republic of Ireland, joined Town in August 2006 from Birmingham and departed for Leeds in August 2010, having had a spell on loan with Leicester while with the Blues.

In total Bruce made 123 starts and four sub appearances for the Blues, scoring three goals.

“Unfortunately the day that every footballer dreads has come. The boots are being hung up and I am retiring from playing as of today,” Bruce tweeted.

“On the whole it has been an unbelievable 20 years since I left school at the age of 16 and I have had the privilege of playing for some great clubs. My time at Ipswich and Hull in particular hold very fond memories for me.

“I am going to miss playing as it is without doubt the greatest job in the world. I’d like to thank my family, team-mates and coaches for all their support over the years and I now look forward to starting a new chapter.”

Bruce, the son of Newcastle boss Steve, left Kilmarnock in the summer having also played for Oldham (loan), Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Tranmere (loan), Huddersfield (loan), Hull City, Wigan (twice, on loan) and Bury.

Photo: TWTD

hoppy added 18:19 - Nov 23 Bet it's a sickener for him, having to come to terms with it...
4

Suffolkboy added 18:32 - Nov 23 Every good wish ; your unquenchable thirst for action will stand you in good stead ! COYB
2

Linkboy13 added 19:03 - Nov 23 Very underrated player could play in a number of positions just the type of player we need in midfield at the moment hard tackling with a good engine.
3

Cakeman added 19:07 - Nov 23 Always felt midfield was his best position which he played very well in his earlier Sheff Weds days. Great heart but gave too many fouls away in dangerous positions as a defender. Hope he has a good future in whatever he decides to do now as he always came across a decent chap.
2

Monkey_Blue added 20:36 - Nov 23 Met him in Puerto Banus just after Hull had gone up to the Premiership. He said he wished he'd got there with Ipswich.
1

Farmerpiles added 20:58 - Nov 23 Good luck Alex. Bumped into him on filling station forecourt one sat after a game. Always gave his all in a Town shirt, nice fella too. All the best for the future Alex.
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