Former Wales U21 goalkeeper Maxwell forced to retire

Chris Maxwell's last club was Huddersfield Town for whom he played 14 games

Former Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has retired from football because of a hip injury.

Maxwell, 34, has spent the last two seasons with League One Huddersfield Town but only managed 14 appearances, the last one being in November.

He played 16 times for Wales U21s and was called up to the senior squad ahead of Euro 2016 as injury cover for Danny Ward, but never won a senior cap.

"This is not a decision I've taken lightly, and I've had to reluctantly come to terms with stepping away from the game I've loved all my life after seeking medical advice," said Maxwell.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved – living my dream and being part of some fantastic moments throughout my career."

The St Asaph-born 'keeper, came through the ranks at Wrexham, making his debut at 18 in 2009 under Dean Saunders.

He joined Fleetwood Town in 2012 but returned to Wrexham on loan, winning the FA Trophy with them in 2013.

He won promotion to League One with Fleetwood the following season before moving to Preston North End in 2016.

However, the best spell of his career was at Blackpool where he played 114 games and won promotion to the Championship in 2021 in a season in which he was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year for keeping 21 clean sheets.