FORMER Colchester United defender Josh Thompson has swapped the football pitch for the medical room after linking up with Blackburn Rovers.

The 31-year-old, who played 23 times for the U's between 2012 and 2014, has announced that he has joined the Championship club's medical department, as he furthers his new career in physiotherapy.

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Thompson, who also played for the likes of Celtic and Tranmere Rovers during his playing career, had been first team assistant physiotherapist at Salford Devils Rugby League Club.

But he has now decided to move on to pastures new with the Ewood Park club.

 

Writing on Twitter, he said: "It’s been a privilege to be involved with @SalfordDevils since starting as a student in 2018.

"I owe a lot to @Ianblease1 & the rest of the staff/players for everything since joining.

"I may be moving on professionally but look forward to returning as fan next season.

"That being said, I’m really excited for the next chapter as I join the medical department at @Rovers".