POPULAR goalkeeper, Clayton Ince has announced his decision to retire from professional football after Saturday's final match of the season against MK Dons.

It will bring the curtain down on a colourful 25-year playing career for the 37 year-old who has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers ever to serve the club.

The Trinidad & Tobago International arrived at Banks's Stadium in July 2006 from Coventry City. Playing a key role in our League Two Championship success of 2006/07 where he kept a record-breaking 22 clean sheets, he continued his fine form at the higher level and a further 19 shut-outs followed in 2007/08.

He was named Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season last term, during which time he also lined up against England in an International Friendly for Trinidad & Tobago.

This term he has 27 outings to his name but has played second-fiddle to Rene Gilmartin since the end of February. "When your body can't push to the max any more, you have to look at other options," he said. "I've done it for 25 years and now it is time to make way for young players to have their chance.

"It was a tough decision. I have spoken to my family and friends about it and this is the right time to do it.

"I have achieved a lot of things in the game and now I want to help develop the next generation. I set up a Sports Academy back home a few years ago to give local kids the opportunity to live their dream just like I did.

"I'm going back to Trinidad to see if I can make a difference and to be able to do that means so much to me."

As a teenager, Ince enrolled in the T & T Army and started to play for Defence Force, the nation's most successful football team. His reputation soon grew  and in 1991 he went to the FIFA World Youth Cup.

It was to be the start of a fantastic adventure that eventually led to these shores with Wrexham in 1997. Whilst a permanent move to the Racecourse Ground was not forthcoming, he joined Crewe Alexandra in 1999 and soon announced his arrival on The Football League stage with some impressive displays during the course of 137 appearances for Dario Gradi's side.

Joining Coventry City in readiness for the 2005/06 campaign, a lack of first-team action prompted his move to Walsall soon after returning from the 2006 World Cup Finals despite still having a year left to run on his Sky Blues contract.

It was a decision that has certainly paid off for the big man. "I have enjoyed my time at Walsall so much and will miss everyone involved with the club," he went on. "The supporters have been absolutely brilliant to me and I want to show my appreciation for that backing, which has helped me and the team greatly.

"I came here to do my best and help the club get back on its feet following relegation. Both the team and I have achieved so many things since then and it is something to be very proud of.

"I also feel proud to leave Rene Gilmartin in my place. He has progressed so well during my time here; what he has achieved is remarkable and he has done it through sheer hard work and determination. He is a fantastic professional and I would like to think that I have aided his development in some way."

And so, after a total of 169 senior outings for The Saddlers, Clayton Ince will say his farewells at the weekend. "It will be an emotional occasion for me on Saturday," continued Ince who has kept an impressive 102 clean sheets in his 310 Football League games. "I take with me so many happy memories from my time at Walsall, but will make sure that I come back here to see everyone in the future.

"The experience that I have had in England will stand me in good stead and I will certainly take back the professionalism to the Caribbean.

"This is a new chapter in my life and a new challenge, but the memories of my playing days will stay with me forever."

It goes without saying that everyone here at Walsall Football Club wishes Clayton Ince all the very best for the future and we thank him for the tremendous service that he has given to the club.

Saddlers Player subscribers can see an extended interview with Clayton Ince...