Former Carlisle United loanee Kelvin Langmead, who scored in one of the most dramatic games of the 2003/04 season, has announced his retirement.

Langmead has called it a day at the age of 39.

It brings an end to a long career which had an eventful early spell at Brunton Park.

"The time has come. My body has said no more," wrote Langmead on social media.

"So after nearly 25 years of dedicating my life to playing football, it’s finally time to hang the boots up, put down the foam roller and give my mind and body a well overdue rest."

He was on loan with the Blues from Preston North End in the closing two months of the 03/04 season as Carlisle battled for their Football League lives under Paul Simpson.

He made Football League debut for the Cumbrians - and scored his first league goal in dramatic circumstances.

Substitute Langmead, in his ninth United appearance, hit what proved to be the winner in a 3-2 victory at Mansfield Town on April 24.

That goal, coupled with an injury-time Matty Glennon penalty save, gave Carlisle a stay of execution for another week as they took their unlikely survival bid to the penultimate weekend.

Coventry-born Langmead again came off the bench the following Saturday as United drew 1-1 with Cheltenham Town and their relegation to non-league was finally confirmed.

Langmead made 11 appearances for the Blues under Paul Simpson in 2004Langmead made 11 appearances for the Blues under Paul Simpson in 2004 (Image: Jonathan Becker)

In total he made 11 appearances for Simpson's side.

Whilst on Preston's books Langmead also had loan spells with Tamworth, Kidderminster Harriers and Shrewsbury Town, before joining the Shrews permanently.

Although a forward when he joined United, Langmead more typically played in defence as his career progressed, and after six years with Shrewsbury, he joined Peterborough United.

A loan spell at Northampton Town followed, Langmead then totting up spells at Ebbsfleet United, Kidderminster, Nuneaton Town, Harrogate Town, Brackley Town, Banbury United and Kettering Town.

He was latterly with Racing Club Warwick in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands. The club recently announced his departure with the veteran player having suffered a recurring achilles injury.