Franny no More as Rothes star quits
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Franny More celebrates a goal at Rothes
FRANNY More has called time on his Highland League career.
The shock move has stunned Rothes boss Graham McBeath.
The 32-year-old insists after 16 years playing part-time professional football he wants a break and the chance to explore other interests in his spare time.
More is under contract at Mackessack Park for next season and while McBeath said the player was officially on the transfer list, the delivery driver team leader insists he has no intentions of playing football next season.
"Franny did really well for us this season but he is no longer part of the plans for next season," said McBeath.
More had hoped to travel with the squad to their penultimate game at Wick last weekend and attend this weekend’s player of the year awards event following their final home game, also against Wick, however, his retirement meant he was not part of the Speysiders’ travelling party last Saturday and is unlikely to be part of the end of season awards bash.
More insists there has been no fall-out with the club and he has enjoyed the last two seasons at Mackessack Park, which was briefly interrupted by an unsuccessful move to Huntly and subsequent return to Rothes within a matter of months.
"I am 32 now and have never had weekends to myself. I am a big Liverpool fan and would like to go to some games next season.
"I don’t have the same appetite for the football, although this season has been one of my best with 11 goals.
"I feel as if I have given two good years to Rothes. I have been playing football for 16 years, 13 in the Highland League and three in Australia.
"I work that many hours during the week I would like the chance to do something different at weekends."
More started his Highland League career at Elgin City before a move to Lossiemouth where he won the North of Scotland Cup.
His most successful spell came at Deveronvale when he finished runner-up in the league and won the Qualifying Cup, also appearing in two league cup finals.
A move to Forres Mechanics failed to work out and then he moved to Buckie Thistle where he landed another Q-Cup winner’s medal.
More then headed Down Under for three years, where he played part-time with Sheparton Utd in Victoria, while working as a forklift truck driver.
After returning to Moray, Elgin-based More returned to Deveronvale before a move to junior side New Elgin. After success back in the junior ranks, Rothes handed him a return to the Highland League.
Earlier this season, John Teasdale signed him for Huntly but following Teasdale’s sacking and the return of Steve Paterson to Christie Park, More was sold back to Rothes, with the Speysiders making a profit on his quick fire return.
"I still feel I could do a job in the Highland League and there was a spell after Christmas where I was playing some of my best football."
More admitted he had been swithering over hanging up his boots for the last few months, particularly as work commitments have made it difficult to attend training regularly.
