Former Blackpool midfielder announces sudden retirement

Former Blackpool midfielder Jim McAlister has announced his sudden retirement from football.
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Current club Greenock Morton - where he also started his career - have revealed the 35-year-old played his last game on Saturday in their clash against Arbroath.

McAlister, who made over 600 career approaches, joined Blackpool from Dundee United in 2015.

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The tough-tackling midfielder made 67 appearances for the Seasiders and helped the club win promotion via the League Two play-offs during the 2016/17 campaign.

After his following campaign was disrupted by injury, having broken his leg in a 1-1 draw against Colchester United at Bloomfield Road in February 2017, the Scot was subsequently released at the end of the 2017/18 season.

In a statement, Greenock said: “Greenock Morton are today sad to announce that club captain Jim McAlister has taken the decision to retire from professional football after this Saturday’s game against Arbroath.

“Jim hangs up his boots at the age of 35 after an impressive career which has included two spells at Morton and spells at Hamilton, Dundee and Blackpool.

McAlister helped the Seasiders win promotion from League TwoMcAlister helped the Seasiders win promotion from League Two
McAlister helped the Seasiders win promotion from League Two
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“Jim’s first spell at Morton eventually came to an end in 2010 after 272 appearances when he signed for Hamilton.

“In the years that followed, Jim would also feature in Dundee’s Championship winning team in 2013/14 before getting a chance to test himself in England with Blackpool.

“Jim returned home to Cappielow in 2018 and was quickly appointed club captain, a role in which he has continued ever since.

“In his second spell at the club, he reached the milestone of 350 appearances for the ‘Ton in our first league game of the 2020/21 season, a 1-0 win against Alloa.

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“His final goal for the club came in our 2-1 win at East End Park against Dunfermline back in December.

“Jim has been a regular in the ‘Ton starting line-up this season but has sadly taken the decision to hang up his boots to pursue a career elsewhere and everyone at the club respects that decision.

“Having made a total of 360 appearances, Jim sits 10th in the all-time list of Morton appearances and has been a model professional throughout his career, as well as a fantastic leader as club captain.

“Everyone at the club would like to wish Jim good luck in his next venture, and offer him a wholehearted ‘Thank You’ for his efforts and commitment to Greenock Morton FC over the years.

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“It goes without saying, Jim will always be welcome at Cappielow Park in the future and we will all have happy memories of his time with the club."

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