Former Blues striker Nicky Forster has joined the crew of AtlanticSix, a boat which will aim to set a new world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean from west to east in June 2020.

Forster, 45, had been a reserve member but has now joined the crew full-time after someone else was forced to drop out.

“After completing several endurance events I am delighted to be challenging myself once again on a new venture with the AtlanticSix,” Forster said.

“This is new ground for me, a long way from the pristine dressing rooms and manicured pitches of old but one I shall embrace with all I have.”

Forster, who scored eight goals in 22 starts and three sub appearances between June 2005 and August 2006, has worked in football management and the media since hanging up his boots, as well as taking charge of a micro-gym and is a marathon runner.

AtlanticSix will set off from New York and will row unsupported for between 42 and 60 days, dependong on the weather, until reaching the UK mainland, covering a minimum of 3,100 nautical miles.

The crew will be made up of two teams of three rowers, in a two-hours on, two-hours off basis. While not rowing the members of the crew will perform maintenance tasks, prepare food and update social media.

Meanwhile, former Blues striker Dean Bowditch has been released by Northampton Town, having joined them in the summer of 2017. The 32-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at Stevenage.

Elsewhere, one-time Blues loanee Darren O’Dea, also 32, has announced his playing retirement to concentrate on coaching.

Irish international O’Dea, who was with Dundee in Scotland during 2018/19, the final stop in a globetrotting career which has taken him to Canada, Ukraine and India, spent the 2010/11 season on loan with the Blues, making 22 starts and three sub appearances without scoring.

Ex-Town striker Billy Clarke, 31, has been released by Bradford City having rejoined the Bantams for a second spell in January, scoring once in six starts and eight sub appearances as the West Yorkshiremen dropped out of League One.

Photo: Action Images

PortmanTerrorist added 18:42 - May 7 Don't see a clamour for Deano to return but makes me wonder if there is no space for Mr Darren Bent even on a pay as you play basis?? The likes of Harrison and Jackson could surely learn something, though appreciate we need a proven finisher who is fit and raring to go in August too.
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pete81 added 19:14 - May 7 Just had to read the headline again thought Forster would have been a bit past it to be joining CREWE!!!
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ohmycampo added 21:16 - May 7 Agree, why don't we sign bent. I don't think he's interested in coming, surely hurst and Lamborghini would have checked him out?
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