x

Veno Shot Causes Quit - Ipswich Town News

Norwich City striker Alex Notman has been forced to retire from football as a result of an injury sustained blocking a Mark Venus freekick in the Portman Road derby last season.

Notman injured his ankle blocking the powerful strike during the match in September 2002, receiving a yellow card for encroachment for his trouble.

Despite intensive treatment and rehabilitation work over the last year he played only one more game before calling it a day.

Venus, now with Cambridge United, says he feels for the 23-year-old former Manchester United player: "I am devastated to hear this sad news. I had no idea there was a chance that this could happen and I feel for the lad.

"Here I am going strong at 36 and Alex is being forced to quit at 23. It doesn't seem fair and I am just very sorry for him.

"I hate to hear about any player being forced to retire prematurely and when it happens to someone as young as Alex your heart goes out to him.

"It was a freak accident. I suppose it could have happened the other way round or to anyone else. I just hate to see a young lad in his prime having to quit the game.

"I hope he is looked after in the right way and I wish him all the best. Whatever he chooses to do I really hope he is successful."

What to read next:

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ÂŁ35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.