Skipper to retire on doctor's orders

Fans, officials and players were rocked by the news that the defender, pictured, was being forced to give up playing for medical reasons on Tuesday as manager Sam Wilkinson prepared the Whites to host Loughborough Dynamo at Ashby Avenue on Wednesday night.

A statement from the EVO-STIK League South club read: "This is devastating for Wright, who is an outstanding player who loves the game and which has always been a very important part of his life. He is a superb leader on and off the pitch and an immensely popular figure."

The Whites added: "Everyone is devastated for him but in the short-term the club will help him seek further opinions on his condition and involve him in team matters – in the longer-term United are sure there is a role for him in our hard work in bringing success to the club."

The central defender re-signed for the club after a brief spell at Stamford helping the Daniels win promotion via the play-offs. A product of United's youth and reserve teams, Wright made more than 200 appearances last season and is rated as maturing into one of their best defenders in years.

Images courtesy of Lincoln United/Pitchero

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