FORMER Braintree Town favourite Sean Marks says he has 'lived the dream' after bringing the curtain down on his prolific playing career.

The 35-year-old striker, who won promotion from the Conference South with Iron in 2011, has decided to hang up his boots.

Marks made more than 300 appearances for Braintree in an eight-year spell after joining from Heybridge Swifts, in 2008 after six years at Scraley Road.

He played a leading role in Braintree's remarkable rise to the highest echelon of non-league football, scoring 25 goals when they won the Conference South.

Marks, who left Braintree in May, 2016, was particularly prolific under Alan Devonshire, whom he later linked up with again at Maidenhead United.

At Maidenhead, he forged a title winning partnership with strike partner Dave Tarpey which produced 63 goals.

He left Maidenhead in 2018 and went on to play for AFC Hornchurch and AFC Sudbury.

Writing on his Twitter page, Marks said: 'Dear football...The time has come for me to do the thing that no player ever wants to do.

'For the last 6 months I have been thinking about whether this would be the right time to finish playing and officially announce my retirement.

'I have been thinking "what if I give it one more season? One last hooray? One last chance for glory?" But in all honesty I know it is the right time to finish playing and draw the curtain on my career.

'I have made so many friends, worked with so many good people, met so many truly inspirational characters that I know the last 18 years have been a blast.

'Many players have come and gone that have helped me through my career and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me.

'Managers and coaches that have treated me with such respect that it has been an honour to play for.

'The clubs that I have represented that gave me the platform to showcase my talent will always have a special place in my heart and the fans.....always there to talk too and I hope I have provided moments that they will be able to remember fondly.

'Then comes the main people.....my family....who have allowed me to follow my dream through the good and the bad times and have always been there and supported me throughout.

'Football has always been a part of me and forever will be but that playing side will stop now and it is time for younger players to live the dream I have lived for 18 years.

'I would love to one day share my knowledge with other players and have some ideas swirling around, so keep your eyes open to some future announcements.

'"After climbing the mountain, you can finally enjoy the view"

'Watch a career highlight reel of headers and tap-ins (if I added assists it would have been an hour!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2kZWqIYT9s

'Take care

'Marksy'

Meanwhile, Braintree have snapped up full-back Mack Miskin.

The defender featured at the end of last season and is the eighth name announced for Ryan Maxwell's 2021/22 squad.