Aberdeen midfielder Barry Robson has his sights on a career in football management after retiring from the game yesterday.
The 37-year-old captained the Dons in the final game of his career – although it ended in a disappointing manner for the former Scotland international with a 4-0 defeat by Ross County at Pittodrie.
Brian Graham, Alex Schalk, Liam Boyce and Martin Woods were all on target as the Staggies stormed to victory against a young Dons side, which included debutant goalkeeper Aaron Lennox.
Robson was given a guard of honour by both teams as he made his way on to the Pittodrie pitch for the final time and received a standing ovation when he was substituted just before the hour mark.
The midfielder acknowledged the time felt right to hang up his boots and said: “I am definitely retiring – the boots are nailed to the wall now after that performance.
“I have had a good innings. I am 38 this year and somebody said I had played more than 650 games so I have had a good run at it and now is the right time.
“I didn’t want to drop down levels.
“I have memories of playing with some right good players and for me it is the right time.
“You can’t beat Father Time. I think it is the right time for me to stop playing. It would have been better if we had bowed out with a better result but we’ve still had a good campaign although it is disappointing to have lost this game.”
Robson, a trainee at Rangers, began his career with Caley Thistle before spells at Dundee United, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Vancouver Whitecaps and Sheffield United before joining the Dons in 2013.
The midfielder, who was capped 17 times by Scotland, says he is determined to become just as successful in the dugout as he was on the pitch.
He said: “I think it is right to go into the next chapter of my life, which will be involved in football.
“I want to be involved and successful and hopefully I can do that.
“I have got all my coaching badges so I am prepared in that sense. It is no secret I am going to stay in the game. Everybody knows what a football man I am.
“I am also going over Kuala Lumpur to see my sister for a couple of weeks, I said I would do a half marathon while I am over but I don’t know why I said that with my colour of skin.
“I am looking forward to having a break and catching up with my niece and nephew and to do a bit of sight-seeing, running, some barbecues and a couple of beers.”