Former Ipswich Town winger Paul Anderson has announced his retirement from football.

The 35-year-old joined the Blues from Bristol City as part of a deal that saw Jay Emmanuel-Thomas move in the opposite direction in the summer of 2013.

Anderson went on to make 70 appearances for Town, scoring seven goals, including a memorable strike against Norwich City in the play-off semi-final at Portman Road. 

SIGN-UP! Get four months of ALL our Town content for just £4 - or 40% off a whole year! 

Paul Anderson celebrates his goal against Norwich in the play-offs.Paul Anderson celebrates his goal against Norwich in the play-offs. (Image: PA)

He departed the Blues in the summer of 2015 and went on to have spells with Bradford City, Mansfield, Plymouth and Northampton, helping the latter win promotion to League One in 2020. 

The winger has been out of the professional game since then, turning out for his hometown club Melton Town since August 2021. 

The former England U19 international started his senior career at Liverpool, before playing for the likes of Swansea City (loan) and Nottingham Forest. 

Paul Anderson scoring a stunning goal at Huddersfield Town.Paul Anderson scoring a stunning goal at Huddersfield Town. (Image: Pagepix)

Anderson announced his retirement on his social media and said: "It’s taken a while to be able to put out this message but I have officially retired from football.

"Reflecting on my 20 years In the game reminded me of all the people I owe gratitude. The coaches and managers I have learned from and played for. The fans, your support always meant the world to me.

"My team mates, many of who became mentors and friends. Thank you all for your effort and dedication and for helping me to perform to the best of my abilities. It was an honour to play with you.

"A special thanks to my family. Mum and dad you dedicated so much of your time, driving me all over the country and supporting me at every game. I couldn’t have achieved what I did without you.

Paul Anderson scored seven goals during his spell at Portman Road.Paul Anderson scored seven goals during his spell at Portman Road. (Image: Newsquest)

"To my wife, I wont forget how you put your dreams on hold so I could live mine. You supported me through the highs and lows and continuously reminded me of my worth in those final, most challenging years of my career.

"To my kids, I hope in years to come you can look back and be proud of your dad and I hope to instil in you that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

"My dream as a young boy was to play football but I could never have imagined the journey ahead of me. To play the game at some of the biggest clubs, alongside my idols and some of the best players & coaches in the world has been a huge honour.

"What’s next? I am passionate about giving back and being able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation. My playing journey has come to an end but my coaching journey has just started and I’m excited for what’s to come." 

He is currently the U15s head coach at Derby County and runs his own coaching academy.