Midfielder Jack Colback, former Nottingham Forest player, announced this Monday (9) his retirement from professional football at the age of 36. The decision came just a month after his arrival at Anstey Nomads, an English eighth division club. Colback ends his career with 481 official matches, including notable spells with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers.
The announcement took place through an official statement released by the player himself. Ele expressed gratitude for the trajectory, highlighting the honor of representing big clubs and playing in packed Premier League stadiums. Colback mentioned the ups and downs he experienced, such as difficult promotions and defeats, and thanked the coaches, teammates and fans who supported him over the years.
The midfielder’s career began in the Sunderland youth categories before consolidating himself in the Newcastle United. Ele accumulated 102 games for the Magpies and 135 for the Sunderland, facing intense rivalries in the northeast of the Inglaterra. Sua’s time at Nottingham Forest stood out especially under the command of Steve Cooper, when he contributed to promotion to Premier League in the 2021/22 season, often playing as a left-back.
Jack Colback arrived at Nottingham Forest in January 2018, initially on loan, after disagreements with the then coach of Newcastle, Rafael Benitez. Ele returned to the club in 2020 permanently and was part of the squad that guaranteed access to the English elite. Na Premier League 2022/23, their participation decreased, which led to the transfer to Queens Park Rangers in 2023.
After leaving QPR in the summer of 2025, Colback remained without a club for months before signing for Anstey Nomads in February 2026. The brief spell with the non-league team marked the end of his professional career, with the player opting to end his career rather than continue in lower divisions.
Trajectory at Nottingham Forest
Colback played 134 games wearing the Nottingham Forest shirt, between loans and a permanent contract. Ele played under different coaches, such as Aitor Karanka, Sabri Lamouchi and Chris Hughton, before becoming an important part of the promotion campaign led by Steve Cooper.
During the access season to Premier League, the midfielder demonstrated versatility by playing in various positions in midfield and defense. Sua contribution was valued by the fans, who saw him as a dedicated and reliable professional in decisive moments.
The period at City Ground included highlights, such as participation in key Championship games. Colback left the club in 2023, but his connection with Nottingham Forest remained strong, as evidenced by the positive impact of his retirement announcement among fans.
Passages through Newcastle and Sunderland
The midfielder began his professional career at Sunderland, where he accumulated experience at Premier League and Championship. Ele defended the club’s colors on 135 occasions, facing challenges in one of the most traditional rivalries in English football.
He then transferred to rival club Newcastle United, where he played 102 times. The move was controversial at the time, but Colback remained focused on the field and contributed in several seasons. Sua leaving Newcastle in 2018 paved the way for arrival at Nottingham Forest.
These experiences in the northeast of Inglaterra shaped the player, who dealt with pressure from passionate fans and high expectations at historic clubs.
Final years and retirement decision
After Nottingham Forest left, Colback signed a two-year contract with Queens Park Rangers in 2023.
Without a club for several months, the midfielder surprised by signing with Anstey Nomads, an eighth division team, in February 2026. The spell was short-lived, and Colback chose to retire, ending a career with almost 500 professional games.
In his statement, the player highlighted his gratitude for the journey, from his first steps in football to his performances in Premier League stadiums. Ele mentioned that he looks to the future with optimism, ready for the next chapter.
Repercussion among fans and clubs
The announcement generated messages of support from former clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, who congratulated Colback on his career and wished him success in retirement. Torcedores remembered important moments, including decisive contributions to the promotion campaign.
On social media, fans highlighted the midfielder’s dedication and professionalism over the years. Muitos expressed recognition for the legacy left on English fields.
Colback’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who moved between traditional divisions and clubs, always committed to the field.