Former Bolton Wanderers striker Stephen Dobbie has confirmed his retirement from professional football.
The 39-year-old Glaswegian spent a year at Wanderers under Neil Lennon in the 2015/16 season. He scored four goals in 25 games for the club before being released at the end of that campaign.
Dobbie career took him to a host of clubs both north and south of the border. He counts Hibernian, Queen of the South, St Johnstone, Blackpool, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Fleetwood Town as among his former clubs, as well as Wanderers.
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In a statement, he has now confirmed his retirement from professional football and intention to go into coaching. His final season as a player was with AFC Fylde in the National League North.
He said: "At the ripe old age of 39 and after 23 years of professional football, the time has finally come to hang up my boots and pursue a career in coaching.
“Football is deep rooted in my heart and my passion for the beautiful game will never fade. I have realised from managing my U18s over this last season at AFC Fylde that my love for playing on the pitch is equally matched to managing from the sidelines.
“My passion is now to lead. My drive and determination that allowed me to succeed in my playing career now fuels me from the dugout.
“Watching my U18s become the most successful team in the academy’s history by winning three cup finals has been amazing and I finally feel ready to leave my playing days behind me for coaching.
"From Scotland’s League Two all the way to the English Premier League, I grafted through nearly every level of the game.
"I made strong relationships with all the clubs that I have played at, however in particular Queen of the South, Swansea City and Blackpool deserve special mentions and will forever hold very special places in my heart.
“The staff and fans from each club really welcomed me and my family with open arms and for that I will always be forever grateful.
“These clubs didn’t feel like an ‘employer’, but like a family and made a huge impact on my playing career and also my life outside of football.”
