Jack Colback Announces Retirement from Professional Football
Former Queens Park Rangers midfielder Jack Colback has officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a distinguished career that included stints at Newcastle United and Sunderland. The 36-year-old departed Loftus Road as a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season and recently joined non-league side Anstey Nomads, but only made one appearance for the club before deciding to hang up his boots.
A Career Spanning Top English Clubs
Colback began his professional journey with Sunderland, where he made 135 appearances for the Black Cats. In 2014, he moved to Newcastle United, winning the Championship with the Magpies in 2017. His career also included successful spells at Nottingham Forest, where he achieved promotion via the play-offs in 2022, and Ipswich Town, before joining QPR for two years.
In his final season with QPR, Colback made 24 Championship appearances, though he missed a significant portion due to injury. His last goal for the R's came in a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers in February 2025. Reflecting on his career, Colback expressed gratitude in a statement, saying, "I feel privileged to have the honour of playing nearly 500 matches at the top level, representing some of the biggest clubs in the country." He added, "From pulling on the shirt for the first time as a young lad to stepping out in front of packed stadiums in the Premier League, it’s been a journey I’ll always be grateful for."
Impact at QPR and Future Prospects
During his time at QPR, Colback was a key figure under former head coach Marti Cifuentes, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Upon his departure, QPR CEO Christian Nourry acknowledged his contributions, stating, "The club is grateful to Jack for his efforts over the past two seasons, where his ability and experience were hugely valued by the group." Nourry wished him success in his future endeavors.
Colback's retirement closes a chapter on a career filled with highs and lows, including promotions and memorable moments. He thanked all his coaches, teammates, and supporters for helping him achieve his dreams. As he looks forward to the next chapter, the football community reflects on his legacy across multiple clubs in English football.
