ALBION fans have reacted to the retirement of former defender Tommy Elphick – with some even calling for a commemorative statue.
The centre-back confirmed to The Argus he was hanging up his boots after a 16-year career.
Elphick, from Woodingdean, is planning to move into a coaching role in the football league.
- READ MORE: Author of ITV crime drama hints at surprise guest appearance in second series
The footballer made his name with the Seagulls after coming through the youth set-up under the guidance of Dean Wilkins.
He went on to make over 150 appearances for the club.
Brighton and Hove Albion supporters took to social media to react to the news.
One supporter even suggested a commemorative statue may be in order for the former Albion defender.
“He’s one of football’s good guys, for sure. Passionate about the clubs he played for and a pleasure to deal with,” one fan said.
Another joked: “A Tommy Elphick and Jim McNulty statue could rival Dunk and Duffy.”
Other fans joked that the retirement of 33-year-old Elphick made them feel old.
A supporter said: “Tommy Elphick retirement has made me feel really old.”
I suppose it’s official, I’m retiring from playing, my mind is fresh but my body is tired. Thank you to all that followed me or my teams, loved, hated cheered or booed, it was all fuel. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in football and adding to the fire. See you soon pic.twitter.com/B2zDfquX6N
— Tommy Elphick (@TommyElph4) August 19, 2021
Elphick also took to Twitter to thank fans for their support over his 16-year playing career.
He said: “My mind is fresh, but my body is tired. Thank you to all that followed me or my teams, loved, hated cheered or booed, it was all fuel. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in football and adding to the fire. See you soon.”
After leaving the Albion, he went on to captain Bournemouth and Aston Villa but suffered a serious knee injury while with his last club Huddersfield.
He was the first Albion player to sign a contract taking him into the club’s arrival at the Amex.
But a ruptured Achilles on the final day of the 2010/11 season meant the dream of playing at the stadium was never fulfilled.
He told The Argus: “I’m nine operations in now and I’m fed up with sitting on a physio’s bench, to be honest.
"I’m looking forward to that new chapter.
“I’ve always thought my life in football would be 30 or 40 years rather than a 15 or 20-year playing career.
"I’ve got to the stage now where I’d rather be a young coach than an old, declining player.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here