Former Nottingham Forest loanee Lee Tomlin has singled out Aitor Karanka as one of the most influential managers in his career, having worked with him at the City Ground.
Tomlin has hung up his boots after 17 years in the game. And he thanked each of his old clubs - including the Reds - as he announced his decision on social media.
The ex-attacker had a loan spell at Forest in 2018, netting four goals in 15 appearances. Karanka was manager at the time, while Tomlin had also played under him at Middlesbrough.
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"I worked with him at Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest," the 33-year-old told Sky Sports. "I've always just done well for him.
“He's very strict and whatever he says goes, but he knows how to manage his players, and with his attacking players, he wants to let them do what they do. He let me off a leash.
"When I first went into Middlesbrough I lost a stone-and-a-half with him in a couple of months. That was the first time a manager had ever said 'you need to do this or that' to me.
“Training was such hard work and his man-management helped me a lot. He knew how to treat me and talk to me, and it helped a lot."
Posting on Twitter, Tomlin tagged Forest, Peterborough United, Middlesbrough, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Cardiff City, Walsall and Doncaster Rovers as he revealed his retirement decision. He wrote: “Thank you for everything.”
A statement added: “After much consideration I have decided to retire from the beautiful game. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the career I dreamt about every night as a king and have nothing but fond memories and love for the game. It’s been a rollercoaster at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
“A big thanks to all my clubs and the players & staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside. And, of course, a huge thank you to the amazing fans. Without your support, it wouldn’t have been the experience it was. Looking forward to the next chapter, thank you!”
Tomlin, who has aspirations of becoming a manager one day, explained in the interview with Sky: "I went into pre-season at Doncaster and I was loving it. But the last couple of months of playing and training every day have taken their toll on my body, and it's just been a bit too much for me, especially with the amount of painkillers I have to take to get through it.
"Playing football is all I've ever known, but to try and carry on is too much for me on my body. I wake up every morning in pain, and I'm trying to sleep at night in pain.
"I don't think anyone's really ready to retire. I wish it was a job that I could do for a lot more years. But you just have to come to terms with it and accept it.”
What do you remember about Tomlin's time at Forest? Have your say in the comments below
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