Following Rob's surprise announcement this week of his retirement, Paul Doswell explains Rob's decision.

"A couple of weeks ago Rob told me that things weren't quite right.  Since leaving Basingstoke his enthusiasm for the game, and all it involves to play at this level, has waned. He enjoyed watching our game against Horsham and it briefly rekindled his enthusiasm, so he got in touch hoping for an opening. His timing was perfect, as Alan Bray had just collected a long-term injury, and so he played at Tooting and fitted in really well. However, last week Rob told me that his passion for the game isn't there anymore. I got back in touch over the weekend to say we were really short for the Harrow game and could he help out, and he agreed to one last game as a favour. He is now planning to take a break for the rest of the season and maybe he will want to have a go again next season. If not, that's a shame for a young player but he has to do what he feels is best.

I think supporters everywhere should understand that playing at this level takes a lot of commitment and hard work, and players almost all have full-time jobs to fit in alongside normal family life and sometimes football just has to take a back seat."