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Having started just 148 games in a career that promised so much, it would be easy for Jamie Adams to feel bitter.

Once a promising star of the Scotland setup – Adams played for the nation’s under 19s in the final of the European Championships in 2006 – the ‘farmer’ has been forced into retirement at 32.

A slew of serious injuries have finally forced him back on to the tractor full time.

But regrets? He has none.

He told the Ayrshire Post: “There were times I wished things were a lot easier, but it just wasn’t to be.

“That’s life and you have to accept it.

“I would look at someone like Michael Moffat who never missed a training session and was never injured and wondered why that couldn’t be me.

“But there was nothing I could have done.

“There’s no point in having regrets as sometimes your body is just the way it is.”

Adams had done his cruciate twice by his early 20s and already quit the game after a serious back injury ended his career at St Johnstone seven years ago.

But when the wily Ian McCall picked up the phone to join him at Ayr United, Adams was coaxed back for another shot at the game he loved.

He said: “I’d been playing with my pals and was enjoying football again so I decided to give it a go.

“It turned out to be a great decision.

“I was never planning too far in front so if you’d told me I’d still be at Ayr five years later, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

“But as everyone knows, we went on to enjoy some great times with two promotions and it was definitely the most enjoyable period of my career.

“Everyone talks about the fantastic players like Lawrence Shankland – and he was great to play alongside – but I will always come back to the character and team spirit of our dressing room.

“The bunch of boys in there was the best I’ve ever been around.

“I couldn’t thank Ian McCall enough for bringing me back to be part of that and I owe him everything for the last five years.”

McCall regularly referred to ‘The Farmer’ as the first name on his teamsheet – when he could call on him.

And how new boss Mark Kerr would love that same dependable figurehead in his side.

But the latest knee injury has proven too much for even the hardy Adams to overcome.

“There’s no point kidding myself,” he admitted.

“I have to think about my future and my family now.

“I want to be doing stuff with my kids and living a pain-free life.

“Trying to come back again for a few games of football would risk that.

“I’ve tried everything over the years and the fans have been brilliant with me.

“I know I was seen as someone who loved a tackle but I was just someone who loved to win.

“So many in the dressing room are like that and it’s what made it so special.

“I’ll always hold Ayr and the fans dear to my heart and it means a lot that Kerrso has said I’ll be welcome through the front door with my family anytime.

“I’ll make sure to take him up on it.”