Ex-Albion striker Robert Earnshaw retires from football

Former Albion and Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has announced his retirement from football.

Capped 59 times for his country, Earnshaw was part of Albion's famous Great Escape side of the 2004-05 season.

Signed from Cardiff for £3million, he scored 17 goals in 50 appearances for the Baggies, including a memorable hat-trick against Charlton Athletic in March 2005.

The 34-year-old also played for Norwich, Derby, and Nottingham Forest, before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

He finished his career in the MLS with spells at Toronto FC, Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps.

"Football taught me how to be a man on and off the field and to be a better person," said Zambia-born Earnshaw.

"After 579 matches and 236 goals later in my 19th year, I can now say this chapter is turning to give me a chance to start a different role and give back what I've learned and experienced.

"I've always been scared to see the end of my playing days and now that it's here I'm sad.

"But I'm also excited that Vancouver Whitecaps FC have given me a chance to become the head coach of the U-14 Pre-Residency team, as well as the club's strikers coach."