After 609 appearances and 184 goals it was fitting that Andy Booth should sign off his professional career with a goal at Leyton Orient on Saturday. The 35-year-old has decided to hang up his well-worn boots after terrorising centre halves for 20 years with his no-nonsense style.
A true
Huddersfield legend,
Booth also played with aplomb for Sheffield Wednesday and incorporated a short loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur too. Booth also made three appearances for England Under 21s and scored two goals during the early nineties as his stock continued to rise.
However, he will be remembered best of all for his two spells at
Huddersfield, totalling 12 years in all and amassing 462 appearances. Eight goals this season prove that Booth still has a bit of petrol in the tank but the caches and pains of being battered and bruised as a target man for two decades has finally taken its toll.
Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Booth about what the future holds and how he will always be inextricably linked with Huddersfield Town.
WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RETIRE?
I had a back operation this year so I knew that it would limit my appearances for the first team. I knew it would be my last year as I am not getting any younger and it takes me far longer to recover from any aches and pains. I spoke with my family and it seemed like the right time to finish.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS WEEK WHEN YOU WAKE UP AND DON’T HAVE TO GO TO TRAINING ANY MORE?
I don’t know what I am going to do! I think I am going to take a holiday as I have six weeks off and I intend to have a break before I start my new job in July. The club have been very good to me and offered me an ambassadorial role.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This means I will still be involved with both the football club and the town. My role is working closely with the commercial department and improving community links. I will be working with the players and taking them out to community events.
• More from Andy later here on Givemefootball.
