BROMLEY head to Holker Street tomorrow still processing the news recent signing Zavon Hines has been forced to retire from playing football on medical advice.

Hines, who began his career with West Ham United, only moved to Hayes Lane from fellow Vanarama National League side Chesterfield in December and was waiting to make his bow for the club.

However, the 30-year-old took the decision to call time on his playing career earlier this week after taking medical advice.

The club have rallied around the winger following the news, with manager Neil Smith quick to offer his support.

“I’m absolutely devastated for Zavon,” Smith told the club’s official website.

“When he’s played against us he’s been exceptional and he was someone I couldn’t wait to get into the club. To then hear the sad news was gutting.

“He will be a massive loss to the squad. Since he’s walked through the door he has committed to the squad and to me.

“I’d just like to think he has a future in the game as a coach, which I believe he has. As a club we will and as a manager and as a person I will help him through this difficult time.”

Hines’ retirement comes soon after the Ravens were dealt another injury blow in the 1-0 defeat away to Eastleigh in their previous National League game.

That match saw Adam Mekki go down with a nasty-looking injury towards the end of the first half and taken off on a stretcher, not long after he had returned from a previous spell on the sidelines.

The defeat at home to Eastleigh brought to an end a five-match unbeaten run for Bromley, although the winning goal for the play-off hopefuls did not come until the 88th minute.

Like Barrow, Bromley were without a game last weekend due to their scheduled opponents being involved in FA Trophy action.

The previous meeting between the sides saw Bromley edge out the Bluebirds 2-1 back in October,