EX-WANDERERS striker Stephen Dobbie has revealed he is hanging up his boots to “pursue a career in coaching”.

Dobbie joined the Whites in the summer of 2015 after leaving Crystal Palace and went on to score four goals in 25 appearances.

However, his time at the UniBol came to an end the following summer after he was released at the end of his contract.

The 39-year-old spent last season at Fylde and also served as an Academy coach in addition to his playing duties.

Dobbie feels it is the right time to call time on his playing career and is excited about his next chapter in coaching.

“At the ripe old age of 39, and after 23 years of professional football, the time has come for me to hang up my boots and pursue a career in coaching,” he said in a statement.

“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 the play 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.”

Dobbie began his career in Scotland, having spells at Hibernian and Queen of the South among others before joining Swansea.

The forward then headed to Blackpool and scored a memorable goal against Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-off semi-final.

He also spent time at Brighton, Crystal Palace and Fleetwood before joining Wanderers and later returned to Queen of the South.

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