Boyd calls it a day

Celtic captain Tom Boyd tonight announced his retirement from the game after a distinguished career in Scotland and England.

The former Scotland, Chelsea and Motherwell defender was told at the end of the season he would not be offered a new contract.

That sparked speculation he would move to another top club in a player-coach role and Motherwell and Falkirk both approached him.

But the 37-year-old has decided the time is right to stop playing and concentrate on a career in coaching.

“Tom had a couple of offers to continue in a playing-coaching position,” his agent Blair Morgan told the Press Association.

“But he just felt he couldn’t perform at the same high level as he has done for several years at Celtic.

“Rather than short-change himself and any club he has decided that it’s time to call it a day and retire from professional football.

“He has gone away with his family and when he returns he is obviously hoping to be able to find a role in a coaching capacity in Scotland and he does want to continue in the game.

“We will see what offers are available when he comes back. He is enjoying himself at the moment and that can wait for the time being.

“He just feels he cannot play at the standard he would want to, but he definitely wants to stay in the game.”

The former international captain is not likely to be short of job offers and he will assess his situation in a fortnight.

“We will see what is open to him,” added Morgan.

“The offers he had were very much as a player and a bit of coaching.

“But what he wants is a coaching position and hopefully something will come up for him soon. He wants to stay in Scotland and is well settled in Glasgow so hopefully something will come up.”