#PLStories- Brighton, Bournemouth, Aston Villa man #TommyElphick retires #AVFC #BHAFC #BOURNEMOUTHFC

The centre-back has confirmed to The Argus he has retired after a 16-year career. He is set to move into a coaching role within the EFL. Elphick, from Woodingdean, made his name with the Seagulls after coming through the youth set-up under the guidance of Dean Wilkins. He went on to captain Bournemouth and Aston Villa but suffered a serious knee injury while with his last club Huddersfield. He was the first Albion player to sign a contract taking him into the club’s arrival at the Amex. But a ruptured Achilles on the final day of the 2010-11 season meant that dream was never fulfilled. He told The Argus: “My mind is still fresh but my body is very tired. “I’m nine operations in now and I’m fed up of sitting on a physio's bench, to be honest. “I still have a huge desire for football and a love for football and a hunger for football. “I shall be staying in the game. I need to be out on the grass coaching and having some sort of influence day to day. “I’m looking forward to that new chapter. “I’ve always thought my life in football would be 30 or 40 years rather than a 15 or 20-year playing career. “I’ve got to the stage now where I’d rather be a young coach than an old, declining player.” In an extensive interview with The Argus, Elphick - who turns 34 next month - has spoken about his career and the influence of coaches and senior players at Albion. He reveals the moment he thought his career was over while with the Seagulls. He gives his specialist insight into the challenge facing Shane Duffy and looks at the evolving challenges of the centre-back role. BRIGHTON PREPARE TO FACE WATFORD And, as Albion prepare for a League Cup trip to Cardiff, he recalls how the same fixture 14 years ago kick-started his career. The interview will appear in The Argus and online tomorrow.