Dunfermline Athletic goalkeeper Sean Murdoch has announced his retirement - to pursue a new career as a referee.
The former Hibernian, Hamilton Academical, Accrington Stanley and Rochester Rhinos goalie has been plagued by a persistent groin problem since last season and last played on December 23, 2017.
After a succession of treatments, operations and failed comebacks, the 32-year-old has returned to fitness in recent weeks but has opted to call it quits this summer.
However, the former Scotland under-19 internationalist has no plans to hang up his boots, and instead has set his sights on making it to the top as a referee.
Since taking an official’s course in 2009, Murdoch has professed a desire to take up the whistle when his playing days came to an end and he is set to embark on his change of career next season.
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He said in a statement: “As many know, I have been injured for a period, consisting around 15 months. Luckily for me, and with thanks to Dunfermline FC, I am fully fit, healthy and have been for the past few weeks.
“Injuries can be quite challenging at times but with the right club, family, friends and team-mates then any challenge that awaits you can be diminished quite quickly.
“I came to my decision around one month [ago] and informed the manager, who has been very supportive, that I would be retiring from football at the end of the current season and don’t want to be considered for next season.
“After being a professional footballer for more than half my life, the decision wasn’t taken lightly.
“While I am retiring from playing football, I have been a qualified official since I was 21 years old, building my way up through the ranks over the years and going as high as Category 3D in season 2013-14.
“Unfortunately, back then, I couldn’t progress any higher while there would be a clear conflict of interest with playing and refereeing.
“With a clear desire to become an official, I am happy to say I will be going straight back in to officiating as early as next season, [and] the SFA and Glasgow Referee Association have been very supportive towards me.
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“We have some fantastic officials in this country and I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of working hard and trying to reach the very top!
“Thank you to all the clubs I played with, to all the friends I have met and I wish every person the best of luck with their lives.”
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