Former Lincoln City striker Jonny Margetts has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32 following a long battle with knee problems.
Margetts had been preparing for another spell with Matlock Town after becoming the first signing of Graham Drury’s short-lived reign earlier this summer. Drury moved quickly to recruit a forward he had previously worked with at Stamford, where Margetts scored 57 times in 64 appearances.
However, Drury resigned shortly afterwards, and Matlock appointed former manager Ryan Cresswell as his replacement. Although Margetts was offered the opportunity to cancel his agreement, he initially confirmed that he intended to remain with the Gladiators.
The experienced forward has now brought his playing career to an end after his latest knee operation left him dealing with considerable pain and swelling.
“All good things come to an end,” Margetts said on social media.
“At 32 it’s time to retire from football. After years of battling knee pain and swelling with injections and painkillers, the latest surgery has been a step too far and a battle I can’t win.
“It’s hard to accept and one that’ll take some time to process, but the level of swelling and pain I’m in daily means continuing just simply isn’t an option.”
Margetts spent two spells with Lincoln City during the memorable 2016/17 campaign. He initially joined the Imps following a successful trial and made an immediate impact, scoring five goals in seven National League appearances, including all four as we hammered Southport 4-0.
That form earned him a move to League One side Scunthorpe United for an undisclosed fee in August 2016. He returned to Sincil Bank on loan the following March, making three league appearances and featuring once in the FA Cup as City won the National League title and reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Doncaster-born forward began his career with Hull City and later represented Cambridge United, Tranmere Rovers and Scunthorpe in the Football League. His extensive non-league career also included spells with Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Stockport County, Altrincham, Southport, Boston United, Frickley Athletic, Belper Town, Stamford, King’s Lynn Town and Matlock.
Reflecting on his career, he added: “I’ve been lucky to play for some great clubs and make some amazing memories scoring in front of the fans.
“The changing room is the best environment in the world and I’ve shared it with some amazing characters and top players.
“To all the players and managers I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years, I can honestly say it’s been a pleasure to share some special moments with you all.”
Margetts ended his message by thanking his family, particularly his father, for the sacrifices they had made throughout his career.
He’ll always be remembered by the Stacey West team for that Southport outing and for turning us a profit just months after moving for free. Best of luck in the future, Jonny.
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