Workington Reds' ex-Carlisle United star confirms retirement

Injury has seen the midfielder, who is currently assistant manager at Workington Reds, opt to bring down the curtain on his career.

Devitt, 33, has decided to call it a day after being told a thigh injury suffered last month would need surgery.

It is the latest in a string of injuries to hit Devitt in the latter stages of his career and the popular Irishman has now opted to focus solely on coaching.

The decision was announced by Workington today, following the results of a scan that came after Devitt was injured at Radcliffe in early January.

The injury and the operation needed would have ruled Devitt out for the season.

Some sad news to fetch this afternoon.

A player loved by many across 15 years and now onto coaching. Thank you for your services to football @jamiedevitt10 https://t.co/nSua2TwFZS pic.twitter.com/4pKiUoDaEl

— Workington AFC (@WorkingtonAFC) February 5, 2024

"Jamie has therefore put personal preference and family life first and won't be attempting to extend his playing career, with his sole focus now on the coaching aspect of the game until the end of the season," Workington's statement said.

Devitt joined Workington as player-coach in October and recently stepped up to be joint assistant manager to his former Carlisle team-mate Danny Grainger.

Devitt starred for United from 2016 to 2019 and returned for a second spell three years later (Image: Stuart Walker)

The Workington boss Grainger said he was "absolutely devastated" for his colleague and close friend.

Grainger added: "Dev has been through a lot over the last few years and has decided to call time on an amazing playing career which is a tough decision for any player to make.

• Interview: Devitt on his struggles after leaving Carlisle

"I know he will give everything to Workington Reds moving forward, helping us to achieve our goals."

Devitt said the prospect of trying to come back from another serious injury was "one too many to deal with".

He added that he "couldn't have coped" without the support of his family through "this tough period."

Devitt joined former Blues team-mate Danny Grainger at Workington in October (Image: Gary McKeating)

Dubliner Devitt, who started at Hull City and had spells at Darlington, Shrewsbury Town, Grimsby Town, Bradford City, Chesterfield and Morecambe, signed for Carlisle in the summer of 2016.

He went on to make 130 appearances and scored 22 goals for the Blues before moving to Blackpool three years later.

After loan spells at Bradford and Newport County, and a stint at Barrow, he rejoined Carlisle in January 2022 and made 21 more appearances for the club, scoring once.

Devitt's character was often cited as a positive influence at the club even when injuries limited his involvement on the pitch.

He left Carlisle at the end of last season and linked up with Grainger at Borough Park in the autumn, and was appointed joint assistant along with Conor Tinnion following the departure of previous No2 Terry Mitchell in early January.