Wood's Win Is For Wells After Centre Back Has To Retire

Luke Garrard’s side won 3-0 at Ebbsfleet United to keep their place in the National League’s top seven.

It was a plus point they really needed. Late on Friday they a were forced to announce popular central defender Dean Wells had been forced to retire.

The former Hampton, Braintree and Stevenage suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear against Dartford back in December.

After consultation, the 32-year-old has decided against going under the knife - and that means he is forced to hang up his boots.

Wells posted on social media: “That’s me retiring from the beautiful game. I would like to thank every one of my family and friends who have supported me over the years in football and all the clubs I have played for - and of course the fans as well.

“I have met so many great people and I appreciate everything.”

His final manager knows how he is feelings and says Wells has been great for the Non-League game.

“He has made his decision not to have an operation and we support him in that,” said manager Garrard.

“He has played a massive part in our progression. I feel for him as I have been through the injury myself. I know what it takes to recover from it.”

Wood chairman Danny Hunter said: “I’m gutted for him. For me, the team was always so much better with him in it.”