Another promising soccer career has been cut short by injury.

Boulevard captain Neil (Diamond) Robinson, in hospital with a fractured ankle following a tackle by Devonshire Colts defender Jahmah Samuels on Sunday, confirmed yesterday that his career was effectively over -- at the age of 27.

Robinson, who disclosed that he had planned to retire after the 1995-96 campaign following a final season back with North Village, said, regrettably, that those plans have been brought forward.

The bustling midfield player, a member of Bermuda's World Cup qualifying campaign two years ago, faces a long period of recovery from the injury. With screws inserted into the ankle to straighten it and a pin to support the bone, Robinson has already been told it will take about six weeks before the screw is removed and another nine months to a year before the pin is taken out.

Lying in a hospital bed the past few days, Robinson has had plenty of time to reflect on his career and he can appreciate the ordeal that another Boulevard and Bermuda international, Albert Smith, is still going through as he tries to recover from a serious ankle injury that came from a bike crash almost two years ago.

And though the untimely incident has ruined his plans of a final season back with the Red Devils, Robinson does not blame Samuels -- ironically his cousin -- for the tackle that ended his season. The midfielder said he knew immediately the injury was serious.

"I didn't even move, my whole foot was vibrating,'' recalls Robinson of the 37th minute tackle which floored him as he headed towards the Colts goal.

"The ankle shifted and there are screws to pull the ankle straight. The whole ankle shifted from the blow.'' The injury is the latest serious blow to Boulevard who have been badly hit this season by the loss of key players. George Smith was also injured on Sunday and missed Tuesday's Friendship Trophy match against Devonshire Cougars.

Add Hewonnie Brown, Stevie Wade, Kenny Hill, Carlos Pearman and Donnie Charles (Under-23 duty) to the casualty list and it isn't surprising that veteran defender Wayne (Bigga) Richardson was forced into action for the first time this season.

Robinson said the enjoyment of the game has gone which, combined with the fact that he has achieved most of his goals, made his decision to quit a bit easier.

"I had plans of returning to Village for one season and calling it a day but unfortunately these plans have come ahead of time,'' said the Boulevard skipper.

"The game itself has changed, there is no protection from the referees. The things they should book you for they don't and then they book you for minor things.

"If you voice your opinion they are ready to send you off. Respect of the game is gone. As a youngster coming through if you didn't have respect you didn't play. Now as a youngster you are just thrown into the team but in those days you had to earn it.'' Robinson can bow out of football knowing that he has won every domestic trophy (League, FA Cup, Martonmere Cup, Dudley Eve, Friendship Trophy and Charity Cup) at least once since making his debut for Village on his 16th birthday.

"I've won all six trophies, represented my country in the World Cup and there is nothing else left to play for,'' he said.

He is confident Boulevard can turn their season around and make a strong showing in the second half. "My support and love is still there 100 per cent, it's just that my physical part can't be there,'' said Robinson.

"We'll be beating up teams, I still have faith in them. People used to tell me that when I'm not playing they don't win, but I don't believe it. They are still going to be a contender in due time.'' Robinson has one Christmas wish for his team-mates. "Hold your heads up high, go forward and bring home what's out there -- for me.''