Former Wanderers midfielder Chris Taylor is relishing his next chapter after announcing his retirement from the game.

Last week, Taylor confirmed he would be hanging up his boots after an 18-year career in professional football.

The midfielder joined the Whites in the summer of 2016 on a free transfer after leaving Blackburn, becoming Phil Parkinson’s first signing at the UniBol.

He went on to make 23 appearances during a two-year spell at Wanderers, which included a return to hometown club Oldham on loan.

Taylor began his career at Boundary Park and also played for Millwall before making the move to Blackburn in 2013.

After leaving the Whites, he had spells at Blackpool, Bradford and Barrow before dropping into the non-league pyramid.

The 36-year-old had a stint at Radcliffe before joining FC United of Manchester, where he has served as a youth coach for the past couple of seasons.

“This is probably something I should have written about 18 months ago, but when you love something so much you don’t ever want to let it go,” he wrote on his Instagram page.

“When I was a little boy growing up, all I wanted to do was play football and be with my mates. It was every kid’s dream to make it as professional footballer.”

He added: “So many incredible highs and tough lows, which is part of the parcel of being a footballer.

“I’ve made so many memories that will last a life time and met some incredible people along the way – team-mates, opposition players and coaching staff - and I feel lucky enough to be able to call some my good friends.

“It’s sometimes hard to accept I’m now older and I won’t play professionally again. But my friends and family - my wife Sofie and my two boys, Alvie and Cody - have made the transition away from playing easier than I ever imagined.

“I’ve been coaching FC United’s youth team for the last two years now and I’m enjoying my new role as a coach. I’m learning all the time and excited to see how far the journey will go.”