The 39-year-old had been playing for Ilkeston Town in the Northern Premier League but has now called time on a career which encompassed more than 500 league games.

Joining the Magpies from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2010 following promotion back to the top flight, he became the first player to be booked five times in his first five Premier League games.

But his performances in the 2011/12 season, when Newcastle finished fifth, and the following season in Europe, earned him the nickname 'Perchinho'.

He left St. James' Park for Wigan in 2013 and went on to represent Queens Park Rangers, Scunthorpe United and hometown club Mansfield Town before signing for Ilkeston in September 2023.

Perch recently spoke to newcastleunited.com about his time on Tyneside and said: "The Newcastle fans really appreciate someone who goes and gives their all wherever they play because they'd do the same thing if they got the chance."

He made 81 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring once - against Manchester United at Old Trafford.