Stewart to hang up boots

The 38-year-old will bring the curtain down on an illustrious career which has seen him score 254 goals in 782 games.

Stewart admitted it is the right time to bow out, and said: "There are six games to go and I'm not fighting for a playing contract next season so I'm better off giving someone else a chance, whether that's a young lad or someone whose contract is up.

"I thought it was a good thing to do it at Rovers because I started off there and I finished there and it gives someone else an opportunity for the final five games.

"I am proud of my career and I am going out not chasing anything, I'm not chasing another title or another goal. I'd like to say I've done most things and I'm content in my head with retiring now because of that reason, it's a big factor."

After beginning his career with Rovers, Stewart also played for Huddersfield, Ipswich, Sunderland, Bristol City, Preston and Yeovil before heading to Exeter in July 2008.

Source: PA

Source: PA