Post by derbiean on Jun 4, 2009 12:21:35 GMT -1
Former Derby County star Mart Poom is hanging up his gloves.
The 37-year-old has announced that he is to retire from professional football.
Poom will make one final appearance for Estonia on Wednesday in a friendly against Portugal in Tallinn, the city where he was born.
He has been promised a place in the starting line-up by national coach Tarmo Ruutli.
It will be his 120th international cap and brings the curtain down on a fine career.
Some of Poom’s best years were spent with the Rams.
He was signed by Jim Smith for £500,000 from Flora Tallinn in March 1997 and went on to make 166 appearances for Derby.
The 6ft 4in stopper became a favourite with the fans and was named the club’s player of the year in 1999-2000.
Poom joined Sunderland in late 2002 but made a spectacular return to Pride Park when he headed a last-gasp equaliser for the Black Cats against his former club in September 2003.
After a brief spell with Arsenal, he moved to Watford but was recently released by the Hornets after struggling with a shoulder injury.
“It is a sad but also liberating day for me,” said Poom.
"The decision did not come easily but it has now been made.
“I could have possibly played a couple more seasons in England but decided it was time for a change.”
Poom intends to remain in England for the time being and says he has taken up the offer of a coaching role with Arsenal.
"My family and I intend to return to Estonia in the future but I can finish my coaching courses in England.
“Setting up my own football school in Estonia will be a project for the very near future.”
As for that goal against Derby, Poom added: “The game will always remain in my heart as a very special one, not only for the goal but also for the return to Derby.”
Good luck with the coaching Poom, wat a keeper he was ;D
The 37-year-old has announced that he is to retire from professional football.
Poom will make one final appearance for Estonia on Wednesday in a friendly against Portugal in Tallinn, the city where he was born.
He has been promised a place in the starting line-up by national coach Tarmo Ruutli.
It will be his 120th international cap and brings the curtain down on a fine career.
Some of Poom’s best years were spent with the Rams.
He was signed by Jim Smith for £500,000 from Flora Tallinn in March 1997 and went on to make 166 appearances for Derby.
The 6ft 4in stopper became a favourite with the fans and was named the club’s player of the year in 1999-2000.
Poom joined Sunderland in late 2002 but made a spectacular return to Pride Park when he headed a last-gasp equaliser for the Black Cats against his former club in September 2003.
After a brief spell with Arsenal, he moved to Watford but was recently released by the Hornets after struggling with a shoulder injury.
“It is a sad but also liberating day for me,” said Poom.
"The decision did not come easily but it has now been made.
“I could have possibly played a couple more seasons in England but decided it was time for a change.”
Poom intends to remain in England for the time being and says he has taken up the offer of a coaching role with Arsenal.
"My family and I intend to return to Estonia in the future but I can finish my coaching courses in England.
“Setting up my own football school in Estonia will be a project for the very near future.”
As for that goal against Derby, Poom added: “The game will always remain in my heart as a very special one, not only for the goal but also for the return to Derby.”
Good luck with the coaching Poom, wat a keeper he was ;D