In Brief: Jimmy Bullard forced to call it quits

Jimmy Bullard was called up to the England squad during his time at Fulham (GETTY IMAGES)

Jimmy Bullard yesterday retired with immediate effect. The midfielder, who played three matches for MK Dons this season, has called time on his 14-year career due to ongoing problems with a knee injury.

Bullard ruptured his cruciate ligaments twice in three years – with Fulham and again on his debut for Hull in 2009 after a £5m move. The 33-year-old, who also played for Wigan and Ipswich, visited a consultant last week and has decided to quit.

"My old knee injury has never allowed me to get back to where I want to be as a football player," said Bullard. "What I think with my strong head and what I could phys-ically do are two different things. My head tells me I can do it, but my body tells me, no, Jim, you can't."

Euro 2020 plan 'just a one-off'

Uefa president Michel Platini says his idea of playing the Euro 2020 finals in 12 European cities across the continent would be a one-off for that tournament only.

Platini said Uefa was waiting from feedback from the 53 member associations before making a decision – in the past the European Championship has been in just one or two countries.

The Football Association has registered an interest in hosting the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. Platini said: "Some countries cannot host the Euros because of the forbidding cost. We are waiting for feedback whether in 2020 we can organise a Euro in several European cities – but only 2020, mind you."

Rovers 'must win back fans'

The Rovers Trust has called on Blackburn's owners to "build bridges with supporters" after the manager Steve Kean resigned.

The Scot stepped down last Friday, claiming his position had become "untenable" and the Trust, who are raising funds to buy a stake in Rovers, want owners Venky's to improve the club's communications.

Wayne Wild, co-chairman of Rovers Trust, said: "A lack of executive leadership has put the club in its worst position for 20 years. The need to change the manager is a perfect time to begin to build bridges with supporters."