NON-league hotshot Jon Robinson has shocked North West Counties League Premier Division leaders Ramsbottom United by quitting the game at the age of just 30.

The former New Mills man, who moved to the Riverside Stadium in 2009, has decided to call time after seeing his season disrupted by a combination of his honeymoon, injury and suspension and in recent weeks he has been forced to settle for a place on the bench.

But in his 72 starts for the Rams Robinson has plundered 46 goals for Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men - and co-boss Johnson admits the loss of the strike star reduces the options for the promotion hopefuls.

“It is a big blow for us as Robbo has been a big part of what we have done here,” said Johnson.

“I think he has just become a bit disillusioned with not starting but the door is still open for him here.

“We are gutted that he has retired – but will always welcome him back.

“Bernard and myself spoke at length with Robbo about reconsidering his decision but he had already made up his mind.

“He said it was a very difficult decision he had made over a few weeks but due to niggling injuries, he didn’t feel he could make the same recovery as he could when he was younger.

“He missed time from work with injuries sustained playing football which was also becoming a more regular occurrence.

“He is gutted he has had to retire.”

Ramsbottom have finished fourth and second in Robinson’s two full seasons and went into last night’s clash with Runcorn Town were top of the Premier Division table.

Even though this campaign has been a stop-start one for Robinson, from 20 starts and five games from the bench, he is currently the clubs’ leading scorer with 16 goals and during his time with the Rams he scooped the NWCFL player of the month award twice.