Ex-Portsmouth, Charlton, Huddersfield, Plymouth and Bristol Rovers defender announces retirement - aged just 24

The left-back has admitted he’s suffered three years of pain since suffering knee ligament damage on his Blues debut.

Holmes-Dennis moved to Fratton Park on a season-long loan from Huddersfield in the summer of 2017.

Having impressed in pre-season with his energetic performances, the defender suffered a luckless setback in a 2-0 win over Rochdale on the opening day of the campaign.

Only 39 minutes into his Pompey bow, he slipped on the astroturfed surface on the outside of the pitch, which ruled him out for the remainder of season.

Holmes-Dennis joined Bristol Rovers the following summer but again struggled with injuries during his time at the Memorial Stadium.

In total, the former England under-18 international played 30 times for the Gas over two years before he was released in June.

Holmes-Dennis had been training with Charlton - the club he came through the ranks at - earlier this summer and featured in a friendly with Birmingham.

However, the Addicks opted not to pursue a deal.

The Farnborough-born ace revealed he was told to hang up his boots more than a year ago, but didn’t want to give on his dream of playing regularly again.

Now, however, he feels is the right time to retire, having never recovered from the setback he suffered at Pompey.

In a post on Instagram, Holmes-Dennis said: ‘I can't believe I'm writing this. I didn't even wanna post anything and just crack on but I feel I owe the people that have helped me chase a dream that I was able to make a reality.

‘After injury my knee at Portsmouth over three years ago, which at the time I saw as a minor setback, I was ready to attack rehab head on and never once did it cross my mind that it would actually affect my career.

‘The dream never changed. But people that have followed my career and know me personally would be aware that I've never recovered from that injury.

‘Almost every day for the past three years, pain, swelling etc, but it's never going to be public knowledge.

‘Specialists told me to stop playing well over a year ago but I didn't care because I only had one vision and one goal in mind, I didn't believe someone could tell me I had to stop.

‘Anyway I count myself as one of the lucky ones, I managed to get to a level I can be proud of, played over 100 games from League Two to the Championship, gaining promotion to the Premier League and meeting some of the best people and gained friends for life.

‘Represented some great clubs in Charlton, Huddersfield, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Oxford.

‘Most importantly though for me... the people that allowed me to reach any type of level and supprt me relentlessly from five years of age all the way through. My parents, grandpartents, close friends and my agent Kev.

‘Coaches such as Steve Avory, Jason Euell and the physios that tried my best to help me, Liam, Callum, Matt and Ryan played a huge part in my journey that I'll be eternally grateful for.

‘Time to see what life there is away from the ball and approach it with the same energy I had for the game.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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