LYME Regis marksman Joe Bond has been forced to retire through injury, boss Julien Simier has revealed.

Bond, 31, had been struggling with a long-term groin injury and was undergoing physiotherapy in a bid to remedy the problem.

He was thought to be nearing a return but continued to experience sharp pain in his hip region.

After further examination, Bond was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and later opted to hang up his boots. He will likely require surgery.

It brings to an end a remarkable career, his 236 goals placing him fifth on Lyme’s all-time scorers list.

READ MORE: Joe Bond blasts hat-trick in 6-2 win for Lyme Regis

He trails only Ellis Hoole (541), Graham Vere (529), reserve-teamer Pete Peacock (239) and Stuart Rattenbury (237).

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Simier said: “I had a big chat with Joe because he was going through his last bit of physio and he was going to see other people as well.

“The physio couldn’t understand why he wasn’t getting better. The specialist just got back and he’s probably going to need a hip surgeon.

“He’s got osteoarthritis. The doctor said: ‘It’s up to you, if you want to play football again it’s probably going to be a couple of years’.

“It’s 50-50 because if it doesn’t work then you can damage it for good.

“He had a good think about it and he decided to retire.

“He’s only 31, which is a massive blow for us having lost big, big players in the last few years.

“You look at the continuity and the project we wanted to build. We’ve been really unlucky losing Tom Bastin to injury and retiring at the age of 24.

“Losing Freddy P (Fred Parsons), losing Ricky Sargent as well, then we’ve got Sam Pollard-Jones who decided to live in London.

“We’re talking about a handful of very good players which we’ve lost. Now there’s Joe on top of it.

“But we have plenty of quality in the squad and reserves as well.”

Giving his tribute to Bond, Simier added: “He’s been scoring goals for fun for us, he’s not just a goalscorer but he’s a quiet leader on the pitch.

“He works hard from the top, leading the press by example and always was pushing himself – an unselfish player.

“As a nine, you don’t find those kinds of players often who work hard, score goals, are physical and unselfish. He’s been brilliant for the club.

“We’re going to miss him, his work rate, his goals and we’re going to miss his personality on the pitch. He’s a brilliant lad as well.

“It’s a real shame. He was getting close to the top four all-time scorers for Lyme.

“I’m sure that if he carried on and had a normal career for a footballer that he would’ve reached those goals, for sure. But it wasn’t meant to be, unfortunately for him.”

Meanwhile, Lyme are preparing for what they hope will be their first match in 35 days when they host Kentisbeare at Davey Fort in Devon & Exeter League Premier Division action.

Simier’s men last played on Saturday, December 17 when they beat Dawlish United 1-0.

“Mentally for the boys it’s quite difficult to be on and off the pitch, not knowing when (they will) play,” he said.

“There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning on Saturday, waiting for the call on the pitch inspection.

“Some clubs are doing it very early, some are trying to be optimistic and doing it as late as possible to get the game on.

“You find out at 11.30am that you’re not playing and it’s quite frustrating for the lads and then trying to organise life on the side as well.

“Physically it’s tough because if you don’t get that continuity. You know that physically when you’re not on top, you don’t play your best game.

“Your legs aren’t doing what your head wants them to do. It brings frustration as a player.

“That’s annoying but we’re all not playing at the moment. The weather is the same for everyone.”

Lyme have been working hard on the training ground, focusing on fitness and using five-a-side to keep the players as match-sharp as possible.

On Kentisbeare, Simier added: “You know it’s going to be physical, a tough, tough challenge.

“We know what they’re like. We beat them in the cup but they came with a young team.

“We’ll have a completely different opponent. I’m expecting a team that’s hard to beat and fit, they’re always tight games. They’re one of the top teams in the league.”

Tyler Wellman has returned to university but Ethan Matthews is expected to make his debut.

Callum Garrett is 50-50 and Dan Beer (both knee) are doubts.

*Look out for an exclusive interview with Joe Bond in next week’s edition.