Gary MacKenzie will not be part of the Peterhead squad that returns to action next weekend after informing Blue Toon manager Jim McInally that he is hanging up his boots.
The 35-year-old joined the Balmoor side from St Mirren last autumn after enjoying a career that started at Rangers and included stops at Dundee, MK Dons, Blackpool, Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers and St Mirren.
MacKenzie made seven appearances for Peterhead however he had a six week spell out after suffering a concussion against Airdrie in October and having had a lengthy spell absent due to hamstring and knee problems during his spell in Paisley the big stopper has opted not to continue.
McInally has praised MacKenzie for making his decision as he explained: “Gary fought back from the injuries he had at St Mirren to be fit for us this season. He also came back after the severe concussion he suffered at Airdrie however not playing the past few weeks gave Gary the chance to reflect on a few things.”
“He got in touch last week to say he would not be returning. I asked him to take a couple of days to make sure and he has done that now. I admire him for being so up front and honest, it would have been easy for him to coast along here and pick up wages without being fully up for playing.”
“Gary has had a very good career and was a really good influence on the youngsters we have during the past few months. We all wish him well.”
