Turriff United attacker Mike McKenzie is about to call time on his playing career due to injury.
The 35-year-old, who won the Highland League title twice with Deveronvale, is hanging up his boots after an X-ray revealed arthritis in one of his hip joints.
He said: “I have to go for a scan next month but it is safe to say that unless the specialist can come up with something more positive I don’t think I will pulling on my boots again in the Highland League.
“I have been on loan to junior side Buchanhaven Hearts for most of this season but, since I left Deveronvale, I think I’ve only played around 20 competitive games and at my age that number of games in four years just isn’t enough.
“I am disappointed at the way everything has panned out but I suppose, with all the injuries I have had over the last 16 or 17 years, it was always going to take its toll on my body.
“As much as I am going to miss playing football, I feel I have done my time and, with all the quality in the Turriff squad, that has possibly helped me to make up my mind to call it a day.
“I have accepted I am not the future anymore. That is something it took a long time for me to come to terms with.
“Opposing supporters over the last few years have goaded me that I wasn’t as good as I used to be and I have finally accepted that.”
The former Deveronvale, Montrose and Cove Rangers forward, who made his Highland League debut for Lossiemouth as a teenager, will reflect on some great memories but hopes to continue working in the Highland League with Turriff.
He added: “If you aren’t enjoying your football and getting the same buzz you used to get, there is no point in prolonging the moment. That is why I have decided to end my career.
“The obvious highlights were winning two Highland League championships with Deveronvale.
“The first one, in the 2002-2003 season, was particularly memorable as it was Vale’s first title.
“I was playing up front with Ian Murray, who scored 52 goals that term, and I scored 27. It wasn’t a bad pairing at all. I have put a lot into the Highland League but I’ve also got a lot out of it.
“I am manager of the Turriff under-20s and I’m really enjoying it.”