BALTI Sports goalkeeper Andy Nott has decided to hang up his gloves after a stellar career at the Weymouth-based club.

Nott has been a huge force in goal for the best part of two decades from Balti’s inception in 2006 to the present day.

However, injury has taken its toll on the popular shot-stopper and Nott has chosen to walk away from the game.

He leaves with Balti in safe hands, teenage keeper Harrison Wallis currently enjoying a stand-out season for the Sports.

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Speaking to Echosport, brother and Balti manager Marco Nott paid tribute to the outgoing custodian.

He said: “He had a bad injury second game of the season and got stretchered off, he tore his quad.

“We had to get a replacement in urgently. Harrison’s come in and been unbelievable for an 18-year-old goalkeeper who didn’t know any of the lads.

“It’s played on Andy’s mind for a couple of years, obviously being his brother and being close to him.

“Since he had his little one, he works in Yeovil all week and doesn’t really see his daughter. The injury has made him realise that he can spend time with his family.

“Balti have never had a back-up for Andy, it’s always been me. We’ve tried so many different keepers because we knew he would be hanging the gloves up.

“We’ve found someone in Harrison who’s just a superb goalkeeper. I don’t know if that made Andy’s mind up, knowing it’s in safe hands.

“The injury was a bad one. He was going to be ruled out for six months. He’s probably not missing it as much. He’s come to the decision on his own with a heavy heart.

“Ideally, he would have carried on. If Harrison’s away or suspended, it’s nice to have him as a back-up. He would never let us down.

“He deserves a good send-off and it will be sad to see him go. We wish him well.”

Balti will also hand Andy a testimonial, Marco adding: “I’ve thought long and hard about it.

“I reckon if I wasn’t his brother, he probably would’ve left at some point because he’s a keeper year-in, year-out. He’s probably played 25-30 games a season, which is hard going.

“He started at 16 and he’s only 34 now. We’re definitely going to celebrate with a testimonial. He’s picked out a squad he wants at the end of the season and it will be a nice send-off.

“We’ll have a barbecue and present him with something. You never see lads in the Premier League staying at one club, do you? It’s the same at our level. It’s very rare.

“It’s a special occasion and he deserves a little day for him.”

Balti host Holt United in the Dorset Premier League this afternoon (2pm).