FORMER Southend United defender Rob Kiernan has announced his retirement due to a hip injury.

The 32-year-old made 15 appearances for Blues while on loan in 2013 before returning on a permanent basis in the summer of 2017 and playing a further 35 times.

The centre-back left Blues in January 2020 and joined USL Championship side Orange County SC.

But he has now opted to hang up his boots

On a post on Instagram, Kiernan wrote: "Unfortunately my hip injury has forced me into retirement earlier than expected and I have to respect my body when it’s talking to me.

"I’ve had some incredible memories, it’s shaped my life and I lived out my childhood dream.

"Thank you to everyone whose contributed and supported me, it’s now time to give back."

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