Blackpool defender Gareth Evans has been forced to quit the game at the age of 24.

Evans started his career with home town club Leeds United before joining Huddersfield in 2001.

He was part of the Terriers side that reached the play-offs that season but his serious knee injury flared up the following season, after which he was released and joined Steve McMahon's Seasiders, initially on trial.

One of Evans' most memorable games came in a green, rather than a tangerine shirt when he went in goal for a league cup game against Crystal Palace shortly after joining the club.

He made a string of fine saves in a narrow defeat for the Seasiders after Phil Barnes was sent off.

Evans was a key man under McMahon and Colin Hendry but his old injury problems flared up again at the end of last season and, despite a series of operations, he was unable to make a return to action.

Plans are already being made for a testimonial and Evans will be guest of honour for Blackpool's game with Huddersfield next Tuesday.