Former Aberdeen defender Tommie Hoban retires from professional football

Former Aberdeen defender Tommie Hoban has made the decision to retire from professional football.

The 27-year-old left the Dons in the summer due to his contract expiring and had made 37 league appearances for the club, scoring three goals. 

Hoban had joined League One side Crewe Alexandra following his release on a one-year deal in July. 

Crewe confirmed the news on their club website stating Hoban told manager David Artell of his decision ahead of the opening game of the season against Cheltenham. 

Artell said: "I had a text off Tommie on the Wednesday before the Cheltenham game, he said he didn't feel quite right, but it was a pleasant message.

"I gave him a ring and he just told me that he was retiring over the phone and I haven't seen him since.

"That's the long and the short of it. The contract situation has been getting sorted over this last week and unfortunately, Tommie has decided to retire."

Hoban began his career at Watford and had loan spells at Blackburn and the Dons before making a permanent switch under former boss Derek McInnes. 

Crewe wished Hoban well in his new venture away from football.