MICHAEL Kightly is set to announce his retirement with immediate effect, Echosport can reveal.

The 33-year-old winger started and finished his career with Southend United but has now opted to hang up his boots despite still having a year left on contract with the Shrimpers.

The Basildon born former Chalvedon School pupil lined up for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City and Burnley during his successful career and also played for England under 21s.

Kightly made 425 appearances in his career, including 88 games for Blues.

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