Fans await confirmation that Mansfield Town defender Diamond has retired

Mansfield Town v Chesterfield FC at the One Call Stadium. Sky Bet League 2 - November 25th 2017. Mansfield player Zander Diamond scores. Picture: Chris Etchells

The former club captain has been out with a back injury since Stags’ local derby win at Chesterfield on 14th April and, despite an operation, it would seem he has failed to recover.

There has been no official news or confirmation from the club on the retirement as yet but the story is all over social media.

Also, team mate Paul Anderson has Tweeted: “Such sad news about Zander Diamond this afternoon having to retire from football early. “Such a great leader and pro but more importantly a great guy.

“It’s been a pleasure sharing a dressing room with him. Here’s to a new chapter.”

Diamond made 21 starts for Mansfield plus two off the bench and scored four goals, most notably two in the 4-0 victory at Port Vale and the crucial late home equaliser against Chesterfield.

The defender played over 200 games for Aberdeen and was capped 11 times by Scotland U21s before a career that took him to Oldham Athletic, Burton Albion, and a lengthy spell at Northampton Town, also playing once for Scotland B team.