Football League Daily – Reading's Chris Armstrong forced to retire, Delfouneso heads to Burnley
28 year-old Reading defender Chris Armstrong yesterday retired from professional football. The former Sheffield United star was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2009 and, despite having continued to turn out for the Royals in the fourteen months since, Armstrong yesterday announced that he felt that retirement was the only option available to him: “It's right for me professionally, medically and also personally. With the illness, both the medical team and I didn't feel I could regularly perform to the level you have to in the professional game.”
Yet Armstrong refused to bemoan his ill-fate, instead thanking Reading for the support that they have shown him whilst he attempted to combat his illness. “I've been very fortunate to play for Reading and all my other clubs. I've been lucky to have a career that I know many people would be delighted to experience. I'll miss being a part of the game on a daily basis. At Reading I've worked with some fantastic people and I would like to thank the manager and all the staff, especially the medical team for helping me so much to get back playing; at one point I didn't think that would be possible.”
With Charlie Austin sidelined for the remainder of the season, Burnley boss Eddie Howe has acted swiftly – recruiting Aston Villa starlet Nathan Delfouneso on a loan deal. The 20 year-old striker has netted twice for the Villans this campaign and will provide competition for Jay Rodriguez and Chris Iwelumo at Turf Moor.
Another striker who has completed a loan move today is Middlesbrough’s Kris Boyd; the Scottish forward has joined divisional rivals Nottingham Forest until the end of the season. Former Rangers star Boyd, who has netted just six times this season, was billed as the marquee signing that would spearhead Boro's promotion push. However, he has struggled on Teeside – finding himself consigned to a place on the bench behind Scott McDonald and Leroy Lita in recent weeks. Tony Mowbray maintains that this doesn't necessarily signify the end of Boyd's time at Middlesbrough, saying: “It's a good deal for the club and it's a good deal for the player (Boyd), who will hopefully get some game time and build his confidence back up.”
Bristol City manager Keith Millen yesterday re-affirmed his desire to keep hold of talented striker Nicky Maynard. The former Crewe player has notched in each of his last three starts – this after a knee injury had seen him sidelined for the majority of the season. “He scored 21 goals last year and no-one came knocking on our door,” said Millen. “I'm hoping it will be the same this summer, because we certainly don't want to lose him.”
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