Ross County defender Grant Munro has put family ahead of football after choosing to end his Premiership career yesterday.
The 33-year-old central defender had a contract with the Staggies until the end of the season, but has opted to call time on his top-flight playing days.
After nearly 15 seasons as a professional – with both Ross County and Caley Thistle – Munro wants to concentrate on finding a full-time job to provide for his family.
Playing in the Highland League or the lower leagues is a possibility for the Inverness-born player as he contemplates the next chapter in his life.
He said: “It was never going to be easy decision. I have always worried about the future and this gives me a head start to find a new career. My wife and I have a baby due in December and it made sense to stop now.
“I was due to leave the club in the summer anyway and after May there would be no money coming in. Maybe when you are not enjoying it as much it is time to stop.
“I have a wife and two kids to think about. I am looking at the next stage of my career for the next 25 or 30 years and what I am going to do. I will take the next week to relax and assess what I am going to do. Whatever it is I have got to enjoy it.”
Munro has no regrets. He added: “I had a great two years at Ross County. The management, players, chairman and everyone behind the scenes were great with me. There was no fallout whatsoever and I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone at the club.
“I would like to thank the manager Derek Adams and the director of football George Adams for not standing in my way. I know it leaves them short of cover in defence until the January window opens again, but they were very understanding.
“I have not done too badly in football and I have three First Division winner’s medals and a lot of memories from my time at Caley Thistle and Ross County.
“I cannot complain about my time in the game. I have made a lot of friends at both clubs and I will always look out for their results.”
Derek Adams said: “Grant had a terrific two years with the club, winning the First Division championship and finishing fifth in the SPL last season. He goes with our club’s best wishes.”