CLYDEBANK manager Kieran McAnespie has decided to bring an end his playing career, with his final appearance being in Saturday’s cup tie against Gartcairn.

The 38-year-old made his first team debut for St Johnstone against the Bankies back in 1997.

He went on to sign for Fulham, having several loan spells before moving to Plymouth.

The former under-21 Scotland international played for eight more senior clubs, before moving into the juniors with Kilbirnie, Petershill and then Glenafton.

But the Bankies’ boss now wants to focus purely on managerial duties for the Holm Park side.

He said: “On Saturday, I thought when I’m on the pitch I switch into player mode and I need to be careful as it’s harder to see things tactically when you’re on the pitch.

“Saturday told it to me that I felt more comfortable on the side of the pitch. I just need to focus on that.

“I love playing football and enjoy training, but I need to be serious about where I am and what I want to go and do with the club and take the team.

“That needs 100 per cent focus from the side.”

While he had a lot of career highs, McAnespie admitted he could have gone further in his career.

He added: “My career could have been far better, but it could have been far worse.

“I wasn’t a bad pro or anything, but my focus wasn’t in the right place.

“I did work hard, I trained hard for what I lacked in ability, I didn’t have that application as a kid.

“It wasn’t to be, but you learn, and if I can instil what I learned into my young players, and teach them not to do what I did, then I’ve done my job.

“I had a good bit of success as a kid and the right moves at the right time to go further, but it wasn’t to be.

“One highlight has got to be going to France 98. We went to the pre-World Cup squad and spent five weeks with them, and that’s the last time they’ve qualified for anything.

“I qualified for Europe with St Johnstone on the last day of the season, and won League Two with Arbroath for the first time in their 133-year history.

“There’s a lot to be proud of. I wish there was more, I wish I had more game time.

“I look at the likes of Ross Forsyth, who has played over 500 games, but injuries and poor form blighted that.

“I’ve had a good innings. I said I’d play till I’m 40 but I’m not far off it.”