Crewe Alexandra can confirm that Tommie Hoban has decided to retire from professional football.
The central defender informed David Artell of his decision three days before our Sky Bet League One opening game against Cheltenham.
London-born, Hoban, joined the Alex in the summer after his contract expired with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.
Earlier this morning, 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."
We would like to wish Tommie all the best in his new venture away from football.