Former Wanderers defender David Wheater says he is considering retirement after nearly two decades in the game.

Wheater made 236 appearances during an eight-year spell with the Whites, becoming a popular figure among supporters. He also had a lengthy spell at Middlesbrough earlier in his career.

The 36-year-old has spent the past season at non-league Darlington but has struggled with a series of injuries.

He had to pull out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s final game of the season against Peterborough Sports after suffering a setback during the warm-up.

“I was fine in training on the Thursday, but after running about, it was clear it wasn’t okay,” Wheater told The Northern Echo. “I just went in and told the gaffer, ‘Maybe my body is trying to tell me something’.

“It is what it is. I’m 36 now. People used to say all the time that when you get to a certain age, injuries keep happening and you’ll have to retire.

“I was thinking, ‘No chance, I’m going to play for as long as I can’. But it’s a thought in the back of your mind when you keep getting injured all the time.

“It’s annoying, and then you’ve got big Dan (O’Connor, physio) who’s been looking after me, and it’s taking up his time as well. We’re best mates now, but you don’t want to be with the physio a lot.

“It’s happened this season, so I’ll have a think about it. I love playing football, it’s just that it hurts now. We’ll see what happens.”

Darlington were unable to secure a play-off spot this season, ultimately finishing 10th in the National League North table.

The experienced centre-back admits it has been frustrating having to watch from the sidelines instead of being on the pitch.

“You’re getting paid to play football and you’re not playing,” he added. “So when that money keeps coming in, you’re thinking, ‘Am I earning this?’

“It’s hard. I love playing football but it hurts. And then in training when I’m running about, it’s hard for me and I’m thinking, ‘These lads are 15 or 16 years younger than me’.

“I feel young in my head, until I start running about. Then it hits you.”