HARRY LENNON knew it was time to retire during his only league appearance last season and the centre-back says hanging up his boots is a big relief after years of suffering with injuries.

The 28-year-old, who joined Wrexham from Southend United in the summer of 2021, has called time on his career after undergoing knee surgery.

In superb form during the first half of the 2021-22 season, a back problem brought Lennon’s campaign to an early end.

Lennon missed the start of the Reds’ promotion season and after getting two FA Trophy run-outs, he was back in the side for the 3-1 FA Cup fourth round replay defeat at Sheffield United on February 7.

Seven days later and Lennon made his only league appearance of 2022-23 - the 2-2 draw at home to Woking - but the defender knew during the match that he couldn’t continue his playing career because the injuries had taken their toll, and he has decided to retire.

“Retiring was probably in my mind when I came to the end of my time at Southend and I was mentally prepared for it then,” said Lennon.

“But I got the call from Wrexham and it was something I really wanted to be a part of.

“It started really well and I felt like I was playing really well; I started to feel like myself again after a tough few years but then I got the back injury and needed the operation. To be honest, I never felt the same after back surgery.

“I lost the pace I had and physically I wasn’t right; the trouble I’ve had with my knees started off again and during the Woking game, in my head I was thinking ‘that’s me done’.

“I had a scan after the game which showed even more cartilage damage in my knee and I needed the operation, but I made the decision to retire before the operation.”

Lennon, who broke both legs during three injury-plagued seasons at Southend, says retiring was the only option for his long-term health following the latest setback.

“I was at Charlton when I was eight so from then, all I have done is play football,” said Lennon. “It is all I have known.

“It will be tough but it is something I am mentally prepared for and to be honest, it is a bit of a weight off my shoulders.

“I felt a bit relieved when I let the club know my decision, I think it was the best thing.

“When your knees are killing and your back is hurting and you are not feeling good, it was hard work getting ready for training let alone preparing for a game.

“It does drain you. When you have had that many injuries, every one takes a bit out of you physically and mentally, and I just had enough.

“You can’t play around with your back and knees too much, your quality of life after football is more important and I thought this was the best decision.”

Romford-born Lennon has no plans to return to Essex as he has made north Wales his home and admits he is yet to decide on his next career move.

“I am not too sure yet,” he added.

“I have got a couple of things in my mind but I will take my time, enjoy the summer and have a proper think about it.

“I am only 28 so I have got my life left. I don’t want to jump into anything, I want to be sure it is something I want to do.

“I met my girlfriend since I have been up here so I am living in north Wales now.

“When I look back at my time with Wrexham, I had a great first six months playing but the rest was terrible with injuries.

“But in my personal life, it is probably the happiest I have been and north Wales is my home now; I couldn’t see myself moving back to Essex.”