‘GUTTED’ striker Joe Bond described his early retirement due to a hip injury as a “big shame”.

Following an osteoarthritis diagnosis, 31-year-old Bond has been forced to hang up his boots for Lyme Regis after scoring 236 career goals for the Seasiders.

Agonisingly, he ends his playing days fifth on the club’s all-time scorers lists, within touching distance of Stuart Rattenbury (237) and reserve-teamer Pete Peacock (239). Ellis Hoole (541) tops the charts ahead of Graham Vere (529).

But Bond has now revealed the shocking scale of his hip injury, which had originally been thought to be a groin issue.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, he said: “In April, I started to feel just a tight groin and I was trying to still play.

READ MORE: Joe Bond retires after scoring 236 goals for Lyme Regis

“It was the last game of last season where I just pulled up and I said: ‘I just can’t do it any more’ and it hasn’t been right since.

“It’s been a sharp pain the whole time. I went for blood tests, X-rays and it showed that I’ve got osteoarthritis.

“Before that, I did ten weeks of physio and I just didn’t get anywhere. It was a big waste of money! At least I found out it wasn’t a pulled groin.

“The cartilage in the ball point of my hip is completely worn away, so it’s just bone on bone. They said it needs a whole hip replacement.”

Bond added that his diagnosis has also come at a cost outside of football.

“I found out that I need an op and the surgeon said he doesn’t think I’ll play football again,” he said.

“With a new hip, I think they only last a certain amount of time anyway.

“I was meant to be doing the London Marathon in April as well, so that’s a no-go.

“I was running for Family Holiday Charity but I’ve just shelved it for now. The guy who said I needed a hip replacement did say I might be able to get back running.

“It’s the impact stuff that isn’t good for your hip. I’m starting to get arthritis on my right hip as well but I’ve still got cartilage there.

“I was hoping I could delay the marathon and do it next year, but I don’t think it’s realistic.”

However, Bond reflects positively on his career with Lyme Regis.

He said: “I’m really happy with it. I’ve done quite a bit of travelling as well, so I’ve missed four seasons being in Australia and Thailand.

“I would’ve had a few more goals if I hadn’t been away. It’s been great fun. I just wish I could’ve finished on my own terms, not like this.”

Reflecting on his favourite moment in a Lyme shirt, Bond recalled the 4-1 Dorset Intermediate Cup final win over Allendale in 2014.

He said: “I scored a hat-trick in the cup final and we won 4-1, that was probably my highlight game.

“It was a great feeling. That was played at Bridport and it was quite a big crowd for our standard of football.

“I’ve been there all through youth and everyone’s been great. It’s been my whole life, a massive shoutout to Lyme Regis Football Club.

“I’ll stay involved as much as I can and still be a part of it.”

While Bond will not feature on the pitch in future, he admitted coaching is not something he has considered.

“It’s not something I’ve thought about,” he confessed. “But I would like to still go along with the team and help out because it’s good fun.

“I’m still going to stay involved, even if it’s helping out Julien (Simier) the manager.”