HEAVY-HEARTED Alan Griffin says that he had no choice but to step away from Chippenham Town as he felt he was no longer able to give his all for the Bluebirds.

The popular striker, 31, has opted to step away from the rigours of Southern League football as he struggles to recover from the knee problem that has blighted his season.

Griffin went under the knife to alleviate a problem with his meniscus back in October, but a further arthritic issue has left the experienced frontman unable to give 100 per cent, forcing him to call time on his Chippenham career following last week’s 2-1 defeat at Paulton Rovers.

The striker, who lives in Wootton Bassett, is hoping that an extended break will allow him to return to the pitch sooner rather than later.

“Before, my knee was swelling up after playing so I had the keyhole surgery to sort out the problem with the meniscus but the arthritis is still there and that’s what’s giving me a lot of pain,” said Griffin, who works as a carpenter.

“I’m the kind of player that likes to give 100 per cent when I’m playing and even though I’ve played a few times this year, I don’t feel like I’ve been able to perform how I’d like to.

“Me and Mark (Collier) had a chat about it and we agreed that me taking a break would be the best thing to do.

“It frees up the resources that they use on me and means that they can go out and get someone that will do a better job right now.

“Obviously, I’d love to be playing for Chippenham and if I could carry on doing it, I would. But I think I need to take a break and see if I can get back playing next season.

“Southern League football is tough and I think I’ll probably end up playing a few games with my mates at Malmesbury (Victoria) if I can, just to help them out – I did a bit of coaching there when I was injured.

“I’ve got quite a tough job where I’m lifting and carrying things and that also had to come into consideration. I can’t not make it into work on a Monday because I’ve played on the Saturday.

“I’m sure I’ll be back at Hardenhuish Park to watch a game really soon.”

Griffin, who has also previously featured for the likes of Malmesbury, Corsham Town and Mangotsfield United, had two spells at Hardenhuish Park, joining Chippenham from Swindon Supermarine in 2009, having also played for the Bluebirds for two years from the summer of 2005.