Nottingham Forest boss reveals West Brom 'hump' as Albion old boy retires - at 45

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Former West Brom and Coventry City striker Lee Hughes is finally hanging up his boots - at the age of 45. The forward, who scored 99 goals over two spells with Albion, has confirmed his intention to retire this weekend.

The veteran centre forward made the announcement on the Stourport Swifts Facebook page, the 16th club he has played for in a 25-year career that saw him play in all four divisions and plunder more than 350 career goals.

However, his game against Haughmond in the Midlands Football League Premier Division will be the final one of a rollercoaster career. He wrote: "So tomorrow [Saturday] I’ve decided to retire from the beautiful game.. it’s my last competitive appearance of my career.

"My last game is at Stourport Swifts FC tomorrow at 3 pm against Haughmond FC. I’ve scored nearly 400 goals and every single one felt unbelievable .. I’ve had a great time and I’ve always gave 100% and I’ve had a career that I never could have dreamed of.

"I’ve had highs and lows, made big mistakes but always tried to put them right but I’ve loved every minute out on the pitch…I’ve played against tevez, Viera, Henry, gascoigne, Pirlo and loads more and I’ve met Pele and Gordon banks but I would like to thank everyone who’s been there for me throughout my career. Let’s all do the Hughesy."

Steve Cooper has demanded a response from his Nottingham Forest players after they slipped to their first defeat in 11 Championship matches at Luton Town on Good Friday. The promotion-chasing Reds face West Bromwich Albion at the City Ground on Easter Monday and Cooper has sent a message to his players.

A debatable penalty proved the difference at Kenilworth Road, on an