Neil Mellor has been forced to prematurely retire from football because of a knee injury sustained in 2011.
The 29-year old former Liverpool striker has decided to pull the pin on his Preston North End career after being given medical advice that he should stop playing.
"I have agreed to keep lines of communication open with (Preston boss) Graham Westley just in case I come across a miracle cure but realistically, and regrettably, this is the end of my playing days," said Mellor.
Mellor came through the youth ranks at Liverpool before making his debut in 2002 and remaining at Anfield until 2006 when he headed to Preston. During his career, Mellor has had loan spells with West Ham United, Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.
