York defender Matt Fry quits football on medical advice

(Photo: York Press)
By Alex Beard
York City and Matt Fry have parted ways today, with the defender set to leave football and focus on a career outside the sport on medical advice.
Fry, who turns 27 today, joined Gary Mills‘ side two seasons ago from Braintree Town – but has made just 22 appearances for the club, with his last coming against Dover eight months ago.
The defender still has hopes of playing the game part-time, but after a string of knee operations, says his body cannot cope with the demands of full-time football any longer.
“It’s a difficult decision but, following discussions with a specialist after my latest knee operation, I have been advised that full-time football is no longer best for me,” he told York’s official website.
“I have tried getting back into training this season but the knee has just not felt right.
“I gave up a job in accountancy when City came calling two summers ago because I felt it was a fantastic opportunity. I moved four hours away from my home in Kent but it was a sacrifice I was willing to take because of the size of the club.
“I viewed it as my ‘last chance’ in professional football and I still felt I had five or six seasons to progress. But unfortunately, although I have given it everything, it hasn’t worked out due to the injury.
“I have had seven operations in my career and the specialist says I might only have two or three more years in full time football. At some stage, you have to say the body has been through enough.
“My wife and I are planning a family in the near future and I don’t want to be in a position where I can’t have a kick-around in the park with my son. So it is the right decision for my family.”