A FORMER Bala Town star has decided to hang up his boots.

Midfielder Gary Roberts first played for the club back in 2003/04 - the year current manager Colin Caton was appointed to the role and the season the club were promoted to the Cymru Alliance.

He then briefly returned to the Lakesiders in November 2020, making his second debut as he came on from the bench in a 3-1 win over Newtown.

The 36-year-old scored once in four appearances for the club in the JD Cymru Premier before departing for EFL League One club Accrington Stanley.

Roberts is now a coach with Ipswich Town.

Announcing his decision to retire, the player released the following statement: "So last week I decided to hang the boots up. It's been some ride, from the park pitches to scoring at Wembley and a few promotions along the way.

"I've been lucky to play for some fantastic clubs; starting at Accrington where John Coleman gave me a big chance in football.

"Now, I have a great opportunity to start my second career as a coach with Paul Cook who I've had great success with over the years, hopefully it carries on at Ipswich.Thanks for your support - Robbo."

During a fantastic playing career, Roberts made more than 550 appearances in the English Football League for Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town, Crewe Alexandra, Huddersfield Town, Swindon Town, Chesterfield, Portsmouth, and Wigan Athletic.

He also represented his country (England) at C level, having been capped four times during 2005 and 2006.

Earlier in his career, he came through Liverpool's academy before also playing for Denbigh Town.

Roberts would go on to play for Rhyl, Bangor City and Welshpool Town, where he scored nine times in 20 appearances in Wales' top-flight.