Hastings United captain Tony Burt has decided to retire after a series of injuries.

The 35-year-old has been at the club off-and-on for 17 years, making more than 500 appearances.

He was part of the Southern League southern division title winning team in 1991 and also picked up a league cup winners medal in 1995.

The defender captained the side to the Dr Martens eastern division title two seasons ago and was instrumental in helping United reach the FA Cup first round proper for the only time in the club's history last season.

Burt also had brief spells at St Leonards and Eastbourne Borough, when they were known as Langney Sports.

United manager Steve Lovell said: "Tony has been a great servant for the club but I think he realised he is no spring chicken anymore.

"It is disappointing from mine and the club's point of view because he is a lovely fella to have around the dressing room and of course on the pitch.

"He was thinking about retiring in the summer and I persuaded him to carry on, which to his credit he did. But after struggling with a few injuries he told me it was best he didn't play at all.

"He has bags of experience which is so vital to any team and he will be missed, but he has his reasons and we can all understand that."

Burt has made 13 appearances this season, scoring one goal but missed six of the last seven games due to injury. His latest set-back was an insect bite which became infected, swelling his leg to twice its normal size.

Burgess Hill are still keen to take Crawley Town reserve striker Shaheen Sadough on loan despite having signed former Three Bridges forward Phil Gault from Whyteleafe.

Ben Andrews, Steve Harper, Leo Day, Adie Downey and Nicky Sullivan are expected to return for the Hilliams at home to Eastleigh tomorrow after being rested for the midweek league cup defeat at Chatham.