Richie Barker has retired at the age of 33 due to a persistent injury.

The Sheffield-born striker rejoined Rotherham in October but has been out since January.

Barker scored 18 goals in 170 games over two spells for the Millers.

Barker also played for Doncaster, Ards, Linfield, Brighton, Macclesfield, Mansfield and Hartlepool in a 14-year playing career.

Chief operating officer Paul Douglas told the club's official website: "Richie had a very rare knee condition. He had a medical when he arrived and he passed it, but his complaint was very unusual.

"It was a wear and tear injury around the knee joint and it manifested itself very quickly in terms of damage.

"The surgeon advised him that he risked permanent damage if he tried to get back to the level of fitness required of a professional footballer so, with regret, Richie has had to call it a day."





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