Pentney will be replacing Darren Smith, who joined the Colchester United senior coaching staff in the summer, as academy goalkeeper coach working at all levels from under-9s up to under-23s.

The 30-year-old joined Chelmsford for his fourth spell with the Clarets in the summer and made 19 appearances, keeping four clean sheets.

Pentney told https://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com: "I'm leaving not for footballing reasons, but because I cannot commit to the schedule of part-time football. I would like to thank the club for everything and wish them the best of luck."

Chelmsford manager Rod Stringer added: "Pents is retiring and going full-time with Ipswich Town.

"It's a shame because we wanted him to go away on a high, but unfortunately he's possibly left us now on a low following Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Dorking Wanderers.

"We wish him well and good luck to him moving on. Pents is a top, top guy and I've got no qualms with him at all.

"We need to bring a new goalkeeper in now. Pents is a lovely man and has been a great goalkeeper at non-League level.

"I hope he enjoys life at Ipswich Town and we'll of course keep in touch with him."

Pentney started his playing career at Leicester City but spent virtually all a well-travelled playing career in non-League football with the likes of Maidenhead United, Bishop`s Stortford and Braintree Town, although he did have three years with his home-town club Colchester between 2010 and 2013 without making a senior appearance.