Former Carlisle United favourite Jason Kennedy has confirmed the end of his playing career.

The midfielder has called it a day at 38.

Kennedy's retirement brings an end to a career which included a popular and effective spell in a Carlisle shirt from 2015 to 2019.

He had most recently been playing in non-league with Redcar Athletic but used a social media post to reflect on his playing days.

"After taking some time to reflect on my career, I’d just like to say a massive thank you to my Family, Agent, Clubs, Managers, Coaches, Players & Fans," Kennedy wrote.

"Without your support I couldn’t have lived my dream. You helped provide me with the best memories. Thank you!"

Kennedy, from Stockton-on-Tees, started out at Middlesbrough before moving on to Darlington, Rochdale and Bradford City.

He joined Carlisle on loan from the Bantams in March 2015 and played a key part in the Blues' League Two survival under Keith Curle.

Kennedy in action against Liverpool's James Milner in 2015's League Cup tie at AnfieldKennedy in action against Liverpool's James Milner in 2015's League Cup tie at Anfield (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Kennedy went on to join the Blues permanently and was a regular in their side in 2015/16 as United improved to a tenth-placed finish and enjoyed some memorable cup runs.

The midfielder scored the winner in Carlisle's impressive 2-1 League Cup win at QPR, Kennedy going on to start in United's dramatic 1-1 draw at Liverpool. He also played his part in the run to the FA Cup fourth round, culminating in a sell-out 3-0 home defeat to Everton.

Kennedy then hit remarkable goalscoring form in the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, scoring ten goals by the turn of the year as Curle's side embarked on a promotion push.

His exploits earned him the League Two player of the month award for October 2016.

Injury then limited his involvement before he returned to score in the play-off semi-final second leg defeat at Exeter City.

A serious hip injury then ruled Kennedy out of action from October 2017 to January 2019. He returned to make a handful of appearances before leaving the Blues that summer after 107 appearances and 18 goals.

He went on to spend two years at Hartlepool United before a switch to Spennymoor Town, where he also moved into coaching, and then Marske United, joining Northern League Division One outfit Redcar in January.