NEWPORT County defender Byron Anthony has been forced to retire through injury.

The 30-year old defender hasn’t recovered after suffering a double break to his leg on August 6, 2013 in Newport’s shock 3-1 Capital One Cup win at Championship outfit Brighton.

Anthony, a former Wales U21 international and Cardiff City player, returned for the Exiles at the end of last season but still felt discomfort.

He continued to try and resurrect his career over the summer and even featured in two pre-season games for the Exiles, but admits he’s been battling between his heart and mind.

“When I got the injury I was just determined from day one to come back as quickly as I could and adrenaline and desire took me a long way,” he said.

“I was back before the end of the season which was my aim, but I didn’t feel right and at the end of April I went back to the surgeon who basically explained in layman’s terms that I was playing with a still partially broken fibula.

“I played a part in pre-season but still didn’t feel at all comfortable after working hard all summer trying to get past the injury.

“It is a gradual process but eventually you can’t do it anymore, being in pain constantly and I knew in my appearances against Port Talbot and West Ham that I just wasn’t right.

“All the staff at Newport County have been unbelievable with me and supported me from day one, but I’ve had to make this decision at the end of the day, no-one else could make it for me.

“It’s very sad for me, of course, but I am as positive as I have ever been. There is life after being a footballer.”

Anthony is targeting a management career in the future and has already began assisting Mike Flynn with the Exiles’ youth academy and will take his coaching badges at Newport’s Dragon Park.

Exiles manager Justin Edinburgh has already told Anthony the club will continue to support him in every way they can.

“We are all gutted for Byron, I have been in his position as injury ended my career,” the former Tottenham, Southend and Portsmouth defender explained.

“Byron has had our full support since he got the injury which marred a brilliant win and it shouldn’t be forgotten that he was a massive, massive player for us.

“He was a key part of the team that got promoted to the Football League and helped Newport County achieve their dream. To do that at your hometown club is pretty special and no-one can take that away from him.

“It’s been difficult, not mentioning Byron for several weeks, but it was his news to announce when he was ready and we’ve just tried to support him.

“He’s already doing bits behind the scenes with the youth team and we’ve had a chat and I know he wants to stay in the game.

“It’s a real shame for Byron and for the football club that he can’t continue as a professional footballer, but the next chapter for Byron starts now.”