'Tevez, Vieira, Henry, Gascoigne and Pirlo' - West Brom old boy finally calls time on 25-year career

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."

Hughes was at Albion as a youngster but ended up making his breakthrough with Kidderminster Harriers, while working as a roofer and being regarded as one of the best semi-professional players in the country. He returned to Albion in August 1997 and was sold to Coventry for a reported £5million four years later.

Albion bought him back a year later but his second spell was ended by a conviction for causing death by dangerous driving, which