Kevin Pilkington has hung up his gloves and left Luton Town to join League One outfit Notts County as goalkeeping coach under new manager Keith Curle.
The 37-year-old joined the Hatters on loan from the Magpies in November 2009, making his debut in a 2-0 win at Grays Athletic before signing permanently in May 2010.
Pilkington, who made 149 appearances in goal for Notts County, said he was gutted about leaving the Hatters and calling time on his 20-year playing career in which he played 33 times for Town in three years.
"It's been a whirlwind last 24 hours," Pilkington told the club's official website. "I'm gutted to be leaving Luton and I'm gutted as I'm giving up playing, too. "However, I know I'm not getting any younger, and this is a great opportunity for me to further my career.
"It's the next step for me and hopefully the first step on the ladder in this new chapter of my career.
"The years really have flown by and I've got a lot of great memories but it's time to move on now. I'm a coach, it's my future."
A former Manchester United keeper, Pilkington was delighted to sign off on his career with 15 appearances between the sticks this term in which Luton didn't lose a game in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
"I've got some great memories of my time at Luton," he said. "I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity and I'd like to thank those who brought me here.
"I'm sad to be leaving, it's a great club with some super people and the lads have been brilliant.
"It's all gone so quick, from my debut at a wet and windy Grays to the last one against Mansfield, it's been great.
"It's been a good season and I think my record speaks for itself - we haven't lost a league game when I've played - but one thing for sure is I'm really going to miss playing."
The Hitchin-born goalie's departure leaves the door open for young keeper Lewis Kidd to challenge Mark Tyler for a place in the first team and Pilkington had nothing but praise for the pair, plus Hatters keeping coach Dmitri Kharine.
"Dimi is simply a legend," Pilkington said. "I've learned so much from him and I've got no doubt that I'll be ringing him to pick his brains at some point!
"Mark Tyler is a fantastic goalkeeper and it's been great to training and working with him every day - but he'll have to get used to coming training on his own from now on!
"And I'm sure that young Lewis Kidd will have a bright future too - with Mark and Dimi supporting him he's certainly getting the best possible advance and coaching."
Luton Town boss Gary Brabin said: "It's a great opportunity for Kevin and we wish him well.
"We're obviously sad to see him leave because he's been such an important member of the squad for the past few seasons - not only in terms of his performances on the pitch but his experience, know-how and character around the place.
"Kevin has always been keen on taking up coaching full-time and he feels that this offer - at a club close to his heart - his ideal for him.
"On behalf of all the coaching staff and playing squad we'd like to wish Kevin good luck in his new role at Notts County."
