Motherwell's Stephen Craigan to retire from professional football

Stephen Craigan has made 378 appearances for Motherwell across 12 seasons with the club.© SNS Group

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old will bring an 18-year career to a close at the end of the season, having turned down the offer of a new contract to continue playing at Fir Park.

Craigan, who has played 378 times for Motherwell as well as representing Northern Ireland on 54 occasions, is now set to pursue a career in the media after his club’s final SPL game of the season against Dundee United this weekend.

“When I joined the club in 1994 I had no idea that I would spend the majority of my adult life and footballing career at Fir Park,” Craigan told Motherwell’s official website.

“My aim was to play football professionally and today I can say I achieved my goal and it’s been a wonderfully satisfying journey.

“I take a lot of pride that I’ve represented the club 378 times and in wearing the claret and amber colours. It was a privilege to follow in the footsteps of some great players who’ve played not just at Fir Park over the years but at centre half.

“I want to thank all the players that I’ve played with throughout my career, past and present. At times I’m sure I was hard work but it was all for a good cause, winning.

“I’ve learned a great deal from all the managers I’ve worked under and I hope I set a good example for them with my work ethic.”

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