FORMER Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Eric Nixon's benefit match at Prenton Park has been postponed by the Wirral club - because the player has come out of retirement.

The benefit game, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, was due to feature a Tranmere 'old boys' team featuring the likes of Ian Muir, Jimmy Harvey, Mark Hughes, Mark McCarrick, plus star guests such as West Ham striker Ian Wright and former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock, former Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist and Aston Villa and England international striker Dion Dublin, and managed by John King, the most successful manager in the club's history.

The postponement centres on the fact that Nixon 'retired' following a spell with Stockport County - but, last week, he signed for Second Division Wigan Athletic, managed by Tranmere's former assistant boss, Ray Mathias.

Globe Sport broke the bombshell news to Eric in a telephone call on Thursday. Nixon, who joined Rovers for a bargain £60,000 from Manchester City, was clearly shocked, but declined to comment until he had spoken to club officials.

Fred Williams, Chairman of Tranmere Rovers, was not available for comment when the Globe contacted the club on Thursday.

But Secretary and Director Mick Horton said: "The agreement was between Eric and the Chairman, but on the understanding he had retired, and since then he has joined Wigan Athletic. We have written to Eric explaining the situation and we will honour the benefit game when he retires."

Tranmere Rovers Supporters' Association Chairman Allen Price told Globe Sport: "I presume the club has fully investigated this and it's a mutual decision. If not, the fans I'm sure would love to give Eric Nixon a Prenton Park send-off."

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