Cherries star Ryan Garry has been forced to retire due to injury, the Daily Echo can tonight reveal.

The 27-year-old defender took the painstaking decision after failing to recover from a persistent nerve-related problem in his lower leg.

Garry was restricted to just 12 appearances for Cherries last season and played a total of 80 times during an injury-ravaged career.

He has accepted a post on Cherries boss Lee Bradbury’s backroom staff and will become first-team coach and defensive co-ordinator on matchdays. Garry will also take charge of the club’s reserve team.

Garry conducted his first training session earlier today when Bradbury’s squad were informed of his decision to hang up his boots and told about his new role.

Confirming the news, boss Bradbury, speaking to the Daily Echo following Cherries’ pre-season friendly win at Wimborne Town, said: “It is heartbreaking for Ryan and has been a very hard decision for him. Medically though, it hasn’t looked good so he has decided to come across to the coaching staff.

“I see something in him and know he will be a big positive for the club. He is an honest and hard-working professional who is respected by everyone at the club. He is trustworthy and willing. He is young and will be a good addition to the coaching staff. He has a good manner about him and the players like him.”

Garry was destined for the top after progressing through the ranks at Arsenal before his career was put on hold when he sustained multiple fractures to both shins in two separate incidents.

A former England youth international, Garry, who is working towards his UEFA A coaching licence, joined Cherries in September 2007 and spent part of last season scouting and filing team assessments for Bradbury.