Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday will retire from professional football at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old has only featured in two league games this season, but played in each of the Steelmen’s Premiership fixtures last campaign, picking up the Motherwell Players’ Player of the Year Award.
With a career spanning 18 years at nine different clubs, Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, FK Gabala, Hearts and Motherwell, Halliday feels it is now the right time to hang his boots up.
He said in an official statement: “I feel that time is right for me to step away from the playing side of the sport I adore.
“There have been some ups and downs along the way, but when I look back on my career, I have zero regrets. So many players may not get to experience some of the things I’ve managed over the years, and for that, I’m grateful.
“Being a footballer isn’t easy. It’s required a lot of sacrifice over the years, which is all part of what I signed up for, but for my loved ones, I owe them my deepest thank you. I simply wouldn’t have been able to get to where I got to without them. Their support has been incredible on this journey, and I don’t know what I would have done without them all.
“I want to thank my teammates and staff at Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, Hearts and Motherwell for being a part of my journey. I’ve met some friends for life through this sport, and at every club I hold the fondest of memories that will stick with me. Thank you.
“Despite this announcement and my appreciation for all the kind messages I’ve received recently, I don’t want any distractions for the boys as they look to finish this incredible season on a high.
“We’re all desperate to close out as strongly as possible and gather as many points as we can, starting tomorrow against Hearts.
“Thank you to the Motherwell fans for their support all season long, and let’s get stuck into these last three games.”
Despite barely featuring under Jens Berthel Askou this season, Halliday was given the role of vice-captain at the beginning of the season as Motherwell currently sit fourth and in a strong position to lock that spot down as their own before the season ends.
He has played 500 times for his nine different clubs, scoring 62 times, winning the Scottish Third Division with Livingston in 2010, and the Scottish Championship with Rangers and Hearts in 2016 and 2021.
A familiar face already as a pundit, Halliday is likely to continue progressing in this career, but has spoke of a desire to also go into coaching.
