Bobby Madden has opened up on his decision to retire as a referee after calling time on a 20-year career.
The whistler quit Scottish football to take charge of matches in England last summer, but he has now decided hang up his whistle for a final time.
Madden refereed top matches in Scotland including numerous Old Firm derbies between Celtic and Rangers, but he feels the time is right, especially with opportunities arising off the football pitch.
He told The Sun: “I’ve had a lot of great experiences and a thoroughly enjoyable time. But it got to the stage where I now have other commitments.
“There’s my work, I’ve got a young daughter and I’m going through the process of getting a Masters degree. I’m also doing my first triathlon. So there’s been a lot going on. My friends say I’ll miss it
“I used to love waiting for the appointment to come in. It was one of the highlights of the week, especially if there was a big match upcoming.
“But in the few weeks I’ve not taken games I’ve not missed that and I’ve not missed preparing and travelling for games.”
He continued: “One of the reasons I stepped out of international football and went to England is I thought I’d do a year or two to phase myself out.
“In many ways, going to England has softened that journey a little.
“If I’d stopped in Scotland, I would probably be more aware of the big appointments that were pending, who was appointed where and whether I might have got the game.
“I moved to England and enjoyed it, but I wasn’t as involved, so it allowed me to transition out more comfortably than leaving directly from Scotland.
“I still enjoyed the challenge of refereeing, but I just thought now is the right time, with all my other various ventures, to call it a day.”
