Former Barry Town goalkeeper David Forde retires

Former Barry Town goalkeeper David Forde has retired from football.

The 39-year-old had last been at Cambridge United, but left them in May and has decided to retire.

He tweeted: “The time has come to lay down my gloves for the last time.

“I have been truly blessed. To receive the honour and privilege to wear the crests and colours of incredible teams.”

Forde played for Barry Town early in his career, having signed from Galway United. He made 16 appearances for the club from 2001 to 2002.

He left Barry in January 2002 after being sold to Premier League side West Ham United, who bought Forde for a reported £75,000.

The Irish goalkeeper later returned to South Wales to sign for Cardiff City, making seven league appearances in 2007.

Overall he played for 11 clubs in career, with most of his appearances coming at Millwall where he spent nine years, making 299 appearances.

Forde made 43 outings from 2017 to 2019 for his last team Cambridge United.

From his performances for Millwall, Forde was called up to the Ireland team and as capped 24 times from 2011 to 2016.