Bohemians captain Derek Pender will play his final game tomorrow night as he announces his retirement after a 17-year career.
After making more than 200 appearances in eight years, Pender will lead out Bohemians for the final time as they host Sligo Rovers in the last game of the season.
The 36-year-old defender made his debut in senior football at Shelbourne in 2003, subsequently having spells at Dundalk, Dublin City, Shamrock Rovers, Bray Wanderers and St Patrick's Athletic.
He signed for Bohemians at the beginning of 2012. It was a precarious moment for the north Dublin club with mounting financial problems threatening its future and forcing drastic cutbacks.
An inevitable and difficult transitional period followed but the club has stabilised and Pender departs on a happier note, with Bohs having secured European football for the first time in seven years.
On his appointment in 2015, current manager Keith Long installed Pender as club captain and today said this was one of the best decisions he has ever made.
In his departing statement, Pender thanked the players, management and fans, who he described as the "best in the world."
"After 17 years playing in our great league, the time has come for me to announce my retirement. I never thought this day would come, it still doesn't fell real.
"I was always a massive fan of our league. I used to bunk into Dalymount, Tolka and watch in awe of the greats like Owen Heary, Kevin Hunt, Stuart Byrne, Jason Byrne, Jim Crawford and Glen Crowe.
"Not many people have the opportunity to spend 17 years doing what they truly love to do. I have been fortunate to be able to do so yet here I am announcing my retirement as Bohs captain.
"I can't say I will look back at my career without any regrets. Football gives you the highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. That’s why we love it.
"Tomorrow will be the last time I lead our team out in Dalymount. I’m actually dreading it because I'm going to miss it so much.
"Friday nights in Dalymount are so special to me. Our fans are the best in the world.
"To all my team-mates, I'm going to miss being the grumpy old man! Thank you for an amazing season. Against all the odds, we have qualified for Europe.
"Stay together. There is no better place to be than this great club."
In his statement, manager Keith Long praised Pender as an inspiration to younger players and said he would be remaining at Bohemians next season "in a capacity yet to be determined."
"Sadly tomorrow is the last time we get to see Derek in action as he will hang up his boots after 17 seasons as a League of Ireland player, eight of which he spent here in Dalymount.
"When I was appointed manager, I named Derek captain of the club and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
"If you are looking for a reason why this club is what it is today, then look no further than Derek. He is respected in every dressing room up and down the country and he has driven ours.
"The players adore him, respect him and would do anything for him.
"He is a real leader who goes about his business without any fanfare. His story, I believe, is a true inspiration for us all.
"Derek will remain at the club next year in a capacity yet to be determined but as far as I am concerned, he will have a huge role to play in our identity and how the club moves forward."
