PNE youngster Mark Wright has retired from football on the advice of doctors.

The 21-year-old Chorley-born attacker, who first made his debut for North End back in December 1998 at the age of 17, has been suffering a hip injury which has wrecked his progress for nearly two years.

He underwent an operation during the close season and had been warned that, if the operation did not cure the problem, nothing would.

Now Wright, who joined PNE after leaving school, is preparing for a life outside football after agreeing to retire and terminate his contract with the Deepdale club.

One option is a univesity course - despite joining North End, Wright continued to study for his A-levels.

He said: "I feel that the whole experience of being a professional footballer has given me a great start in life and I leave the club with some very happy memories, and try to take the positives out of my current situation."

As well as thanking the PFA and the club for their support, Wright added: "I would like to wish everyone all the best at the club in the forth coming season."

All-in-all, PNE are now five players lighter than they were at the start of the week. Iain Anderson, Mark Rankine and Tepi Moilanen have agreed settlement packages to quit their contracts early, while Blackburn-born Joe O'Neill has gone on a year's loan to Bury.