Former Rovers defender Tommy Spurr has been forced to retire because of injury.

Only 31, the full back saw his loan spell with Fleetwood Town cut short last season, playing just seven times in all competitions.

He was released by Preston North End, who he joined from Rovers after leaving Ewood Park in the summer of 2016, last month and has since announced his retirement.

Spurr arrived in East Lancashire as a free agent in 2013 after three years with Doncaster Rovers.

A giant full back also able to play in central defence, he managed 84 appearances during his time with Rovers, including 43 in the Championship in his debut season.

Injury saw him miss the opening six months of the 2014/15 campaign, but was a regular again in the closing months of his final season at Rovers, 2015/16, following the departure of Marcus Olsson.

He scored three times, all in 2013/14, including a winner against Leeds United in November 2013.

Spurr will also be remembered for his long throw, something he honed during his days coming through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday. There, he played 211 times for the Owls, and a further  73 for Doncaster in his two years at the Keepmoat.

Injuries were starting to take their toll during his time at Preston, leaving the Deepdale club after just 23 appearances across three seasons.