Former Blue Marcus Stewart has announced that he will retire after Exeter’s game against his first club Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The 38-year-old was with Town between February 2000 and August 2002, helping George Burley’s side into the Premier League — scoring the third goal at Wembley — and then netting 21 times as the Blues reached the UEFA Cup the following season having finished fifth.

Stewart, 38, says now is the right time to bow out: "There are six games to go and I'm not fighting for a playing contract next season, so I'm better off giving someone else a chance whether that's a young lad or someone whose contract is up.

"I thought it was a good thing to do at Rovers because I started off there and I finished there and it gives someone else an opportunity for the final five games.

"I am proud of my career and I am going out not chasing anything, I'm not chasing another title or another goal.

"I'd like to say I've done most things and I'm content in my head with retiring now because of that reason, it's a big factor."

Stewart, who will continue in a coaching role with the Grecians, scored 40 goals in 84 starts 12 sub appearances for the Blues after signing for £1.25 million from Huddersfield before joining Sunderland after Town’s relegation for a knockdown £650,000 fee.

The 5ft 10in tall frontman also played for Yeovil and Bristol City and had a spell on loan at Preston.

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