HEREFORD United keeper Scott Cooksey has lost his battle against a serious wrist injury and has retired from football.

The England semi-professional international has come to an ag-reement for the last three months of his Edgar Street contract and is set to pursue a teaching career.

Defender Mark Williams' cont-ract has been terminated for disciplinary reasons. He has joined FA Trophy opponents Chester City.

Cooksey's decision follows a long fight to restore mobility and strength to his wrist which was wrecked by a serious infection last summer.

Blood poisoning left the 29-year-old hospitalised for three weeks but despite months of rehabilitation, he has finally called it a day.

He now faces further surgery and within 10 years is likely to need a metal plate inserted into the wrist, said United's Director of Football Graham Turner.

"It's a blow for both the club and the player," he added. "Last season he was an England semi-professional which tells its own story and we are only fortunate that Matt Baker has emerged."

"Scott worked hard to return and in training we saw glimpses of his old form but then there was the pain factor to consider as well."

The loss of Cooksey leaves Turner and player/manager Phil Robinson with just Lee Evans as cover.

"It's a difficult situation because if we bring in an established keeper they would expect to play but Matt Baker is now the number one," said Turner.