Rhys Marshall reflects on career highlights as he hangs up his boots
Rhys Marshall says "a combination of things" has led him to call time on his footballing career.
The 30-year-old Glenavon star announced on Thursday that he was retiring after making 299 appearances for the club.
Marshall assured supporters there was no issue between himself and current boss Paddy McLaughlin saying it was "the right time" to hang his boots up as he reflected on some of his highlights for the Lurgan Blues.
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'There is no single reason for my decision. It has been in my mind for a while, but I think now is the right time,' Marshall told the Glenavon website.
'I have nothing but respect for Paddy. He has done a great job since he was appointed. However, I stepped back from full time to go part time, and an extra session was added which made things difficult.
'I have had one or two knocks in the last few years which have restricted my availability. Last season it was much harder to recover after training, let alone, games, than it was five or ten years ago.
"That is another factor, but, as I have said, it is a combination of things.'
Two Irish Cup wins with Glenavon and scoring on a famous night in Europe as they beat a Molde side featuring Erling Haaland are just some of the memories that will stick with Marshall.
'The two cup successes are the highlights of my career,' he explained. 'I was young and probably didn't fully appreciate how special those moments were.
"There was also the fact that we were a top side at that time. It wasn't a big surprise when we defeated Linfield. But, looking back, to win two Irish Cups in three years was a great achievement.
'When I scored [against Molde], I didn't imagine that it would be the springboard for us to go on and win the match. It was an amazing performance and result.'
Marshall paid a heartfelt tribute to his former boss Gary Hamilton and the late club chairman Adrian Teer and the rest of the board at Mourneview Park as he said his goodbyes.
'Gary gave me my debut. I am grateful to him for that,' he said. 'He worked out very early the type of person I am and how best to get the best out of me. He gave me the freedom to be more than a defender and get forward when I wanted to. That was a big part of my game.
'They were all good to me. I was always made to feel wanted. I am sorry that I cannot continue but I leave with some fabulous memories.'
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