ST MIRREN assistant manager Andy Millen has revealed he has finally retired from competitive football at the age of 43.
The centre-half insists he won't feature for the Buddies next season but still plans to turn out for the club's reserve side in the hope he can help develop the emerging youngsters.
Millen – the oldest player to play in the SPL – plied his trade f
or ten clubs after starting off at St Johnstone in 1986.
The Love Street No 2, who made ten appearances for the Saints last season, said: "I won't be playing for the first team again.
"I hope to contribute to the reserves and help the younger players to develop, but I've finished with the first team and I'm quite happy about that.
"Playing football with the younger boys is the most enjoyable part of my job because they are receptive to what you are saying and they have a desire in the way they go about their business.
"They listen, show respect and they work hard. Seeing their young faces buzzing with enthusiasm gives me a real kick."
After serving his apprenticeship at McDiarmid Park, Millen went on to play for Alloa, Hamilton, Kilmarnock, Hibs, Raith Rovers, Ayr United, Morton and Clyde before signing for St Mirren in 2004.
Millen beat the previous oldest player record held for seven years by Jim Leighton.
The full article contains 235 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
