BRIAN MORGAN won Advertiser Sport Player of the Year, capping off an incredible career at Sauchie Juniors.

The Reds captain has closed the door on his footballing career, needing to protect himself for injuries so he can keep working and care for his family.

Morgan has had an exemplary career, spending 14 years at Sauchie almost consistently, barring two seasons spent across the Forth at Bo’ness.

His final contribution to Sauchie was lifting the East of Scotland League Cup with the team on June 1, scoring the winner in extra time against Haddington.

By doing so, Morgan got the fairytale ending he deserved at Sauchie, celebrating his retirement with cup glory.

Speaking to Advertiser Sport, Morgan was honoured to pick up the award and talked through his decision to leave the club.

“I feel good,” Morgan said. “It’s good to know I’m still contributing at 34. This was my last season.

“I told Fraser and the boys I wasn’t signing on next season, it’s taking a toll on my body and I need to look after my health outside of football.

“I’ve got a good job and I don’t want to be injured, be off work and be unable to provide for my family.

“My time has come; I’ve been here a long time, from when I was 19. I had two years at Bo’ness but then I came back after Covid.

“I’ve loved it here and it’s been great but sometimes you have to make these hard decisions and think about further along.

“I don’t want to play for a couple more years and pick up a few silly injuries that will affect me later on in life.

“I’ve got to look at it that but I’m gutted, I’m going to miss it but I’ve had a great run and I’m happy.”

Manager Fraser Duncan has said that there will always be a space for Morgan should he decide to return, but that his decision is respected.

While overall in the season, Sauchie feel they have underperformed, as per the manager and Morgan himself, there is also a great deal of pride for winning the East of Scotland League Cup this year.

The manager previously said they had laid out the goal of winning it, not just for themselves, but for the retiring captain, and they succeeded in achieving their goal.

Morgan added: “We had a stop start season this year with injuries but I think we’ve done well despite that.

“I was out for a few weeks myself with a torn ligament in my shoulder and Scott Davidson has been out for a few months.

“Andy Kay has been out for a few months, we’ve not achieved the heights we wanted to in the league but winning the cup has made it a successful season.

“I’m delighted to have been able to contribute and provide the experience I’ve got for the squad.

“With the quality we had this season, we’re buzzing to have won something.”