NEWCASTLE icon Paul Dummett has announced his retirement after being without a club since his summer exit from non-league Carlisle.
The left-back made more than 200 appearances for the Magpies, before leaving St James’ Park last year.
Dummett, 34, had loan spells with Gateshead and St Mirren during his time with the Toon before permanently joining Wigan.
He then linked up with Carlisle in January but only made three appearances and was unable to stop them dropping out of the Football League last season.
Dummett was released by the Cumbrians, who are bossed by Manchester United legend Mark Hughes, in the summer.
And the five-cap Wales international announced he is hanging up his boots in an emotional post on Instagram.
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He said: “Turning 34 this year, even though I still feel physically able to keep on playing, the time has come to call it a day.
“There’s a great sadness, of course, and I know I’m going to miss playing the game I love, but I look back on my career and feel nothing but an overwhelming sense of pride.
“I know how lucky I’ve been to live the dream of so many.
“To my teammates, coaches, managers and the staff I’ve worked with at all the clubs I’ve been a part of – Newcastle, Gateshead, St Mirren, Wigan and Carlisle, thank you.
“And to the supporters, it was a privilege to play for you, I know that I did my best for you in every game.
“Now, although no longer a player, I’ll return to being a fan. But I’ll always be a fan who lived his boyhood dream.”
Dummett also pinpointed his time at Newcastle, helping St Mirren to their first major trophy in 26 years and gaining international recognition as some of his career highlights.
The Magpies responded to the Instagram post, commenting: “One of our own. Congratulations on a tremendous career, Paul Dummett!”
Former Newcastle teammates Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman were also among those to send their best wishes on social media.
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