Former Red announces retirement
A former Liverpool striker who played a big part in the road to Istanbul has today been forced to retire from football on medical grounds.
Neil Mellor came through the Academy to score a Roy of the Rovers style late winner against Arsenal at the Kop end in 2004, and the popular striker enjoyed some memorable moments with the Reds.
En route to Istanbul he played a key role in the never to be forgotten Champions League clash with Olympiacos at Anfield.
Sent on as a subsitute by Rafael Benitez, Mellor found the net and then cushioned a perfect header down for Steven Gerrard to smash home at the Kop end.
Coming through the ranks he scored a phenomenal amount of goals for the U18s and reserves, and after being given his first chance, such was the impact he made during the run to Istanbul, he came in at No.90 in the highly acclaimed 100 Players Who Shook the Kop series, in a poll conducted on this website.
After leaving Liverpool he went on to play for Preston North End, and had a spell on loan last season at Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite finding the net on a regular basis, a persistent knee injury has eventually forced his retirement.
Posting a message on his twitter page, Mellor said: "It's a very sad day for me and my family. On medical advice I have decided to retire from professional football.
"I am devastated to have to come to this decision. I have played for some fantastic clubs in my career and grateful for some special memories."
Mellor is a regular pundit on LFC TV and everyone at LFC would like to wish him all the very best.