‘Call it a day’ – Ex-Bristol City and Peterborough United makes big decision after Cymru Premier exit
Mark Little has retired after leaving Penybont in January. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Former Bristol City defender Mark Little has announced his retirement from football, having left Cymru Premier side Penybont in January.
A fortnight ago, the Bridgend club confirmed that Little would be departing to pursue a new career opportunity. That next chapter now appears to be away from the pitch, with the 37-year-old officially confirming he has “called it a day”.
Little brings the curtain down on a long and accomplished career spanning two decades in the professional game, making more than 500 appearances, multiple promotions, silverware, and European competition experience.
He confirmed the news in a post shared on his personal Instagram account.
“Right then. 20 years in the professional game. Even more since I could walk.
“It’s time to call it a day. 7 parent clubs, 2 loans and international call-ups.
“550+ games. 3 Promotions. 2 Cup wins. 2 European tours. 1 League title
Carra said, “Leave football before it leaves you,’ I think it’s packing its bags for me. A massive thank you to the lot of ya! My little girl’s got some other plans for me now. Thanks again.”
Penybont spells
The right-back joined Penybont in 2022 following a spell in the National League with Yeovil Town. He went on to feature in a Bont side that finished third and second in successive seasons, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds on two occasions.
He initially departed the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, before returning six months later in January 2025, going on to make nine further appearances.
This season, he featured 15 times across all competitions. His final match came on January 13 in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff Met, where he appeared as a substitute. In total, Little made 88 appearances for the club, registering three assists and one goal.
Bristol City, Peterborough United and EFL career
He enjoyed a long and decorated career across the English Football League, building a reputation as a reliable, attack-minded right-back with a knack for winning promotion.
Little began his professional journey with Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming through the youth ranks before gaining valuable senior experience out on loan at Chesterfield and Northampton Town. However, it was at Peterborough United where he truly established himself in the EFL.
After initially joining on loan, he made the move permanent and became part of a Peterborough side that achieved promotion from League One in the 2010/11 season via the play-offs.
In 2014, Little signed for Bristol City and played an important role in one of the club’s most successful modern campaigns. The Robins stormed to the 2014/15 League One title under Steve Cotterill, securing promotion to the Championship in style.
That same season, Bristol City also lifted the Football League Trophy, completing a memorable double, featuring regularly throughout the campaign.
After his Championship and League One experience, Little continued his career with spells at Bristol Rovers and Yeovil Town in League Two and the National League, in total he amassed over 500 appearances in senior football, with 344 of those in the second and third tiers of English football.
