DESPITE being forced into retirement from his football career at the age 28, Darren Eadie shows no bitterness and insists he would do it all again tomorrow.

The Chippenham-born striker says he has enjoyed every moment of his career, from playing as a youngster for Corsham Boys to representing Norwich and Leicester in Europe, and admits his only regret is that it has been brought to a premature end.

He said: "I would not put anyone off a career in football. I have had a fantastic time and would not do anything differently. It is hard at the moment to accept that my future lies elsewhere but that's just one of those things in life. It could have happened to anyone."

Eadie started playing football at the age of 11 when he joined Corsham Boys, but revealed that before that his main interest lay in another sport.

"At the time I really liked rugby. Obviously the west country is very big on it and so it was just natural that I enjoyed the game as well. However, after joining Corsham Boys football team I began to realise that football was the sport for me.

"I played for Corsham until I left school to start my apprenticeship at Norwich. Corsham holds a lot of good memories for me and my parents still live around there."

Looking back on his career Eadie admits that his best times in football were during his seven years at Norwich.

He signed professional terms with the Canaries at the age of 17 and played a part in some of the club's greatest moments.

"Possibly my greatest moments in football were in my debut season when Norwich performed so heroically in the UEFA Cup. To think I was playing for Corsham only three years before and now was playing at venues like the Olympic Stadium in Munich.

"I made my debut in the first round game at home to Vitesse Arnhem and although I only came on after we were 3-0 up I will never forget the day.

I think my greatest moment was being part of the team that became the first English club to beat Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium.

"Just being on the same pitch as great players like Lothar Mattheus was amazing and then to beat them 2-1; well, it's what dreams are made of. As a youngster I probably didn't take it all in but it was a great achievement."

Eadie also remembers some good times at Leicester, in particular another European campaign and a Worthington Cup final victory.

"Playing against Red Star Belgrade was exciting for me as they are a club with so much history.

"I also enjoyed our Worthington Cup final win over Middlesbrough, even though I was cup-tied for the match."

Eadie names Martin O'Neill as the "Best manager I have ever worked with."

Eadie added: "There was something about the man which seemed to raise everybody's game. I spent time with him both at Norwich and Leicester and really flourished under his managerial methods.

"His work ethic was amazing and it just encouraged everyone else to put that extra bit in as well. I have nothing against any of my other managers but O'Neill really does stand out."

With regards to his future, the former Leicester striker is uncertain about what lies ahead but is not about to make any rash decisions.

He is due to move back to Norfolk in August with his wife and three-year-old son and is just taking time out to make sure he makes the right decision.

He said: "I am fortunate enough that I was playing football at the right time. I am financially secure and so will not be forced into doing anything I don't want to do.

"I would be interested in pursuing a career in the media as I have already had some experience of working on the radio and quite enjoyed it. I am not too sure about coaching at the moment as I feel I am too young and would face the problem of having to coach people older than me.

"I also doubt that I will be trying to play non-league football as if my knee is not strong enough to make a career out of football then I will not struggle on and make it worse. If I could play football then I wouldn't be retiring."

Eadie will be remembered by football fans as a speedy winger turned striker who knew where the goal was. His work-rate ensured that he was unpopular with the opposition defence, but a very popular member among his own team-mates.

He has made many friends in football and is adamant he will not allow his misfortune spoil those friendships.

"It will be difficult to actually watch football for a while but there is no way I will let my injury stand in the way of friendships.

"Retirement at an early age is expected in this trade and although mine has happened sooner than expected that does not mean I will distance myself from the mates I have made playing the game I love."