Former Hibs defender Chris Hogg has revealed that he has decided to retire from professional football.
The 28-year-old has just battled back from a career threatening cruciate knee injury, and has struggled to find a new club after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer.
Speaking on twitter the English defender said:
“Just to let people know that I decided to retire from professional football in the summer. Not through choice but lack of the right opportunity.
“It’s been hard to take but, with my young family, it was the right thing to do. It’s changed days in the professional game and to drag them around the country every year or so just isn’t good.
“Abroad options were not really viable and to stay professional at the levels available just wasn’t for me.”
“Heartfelt thanks for all the support over the years from clubs/fans. [I will] Never forget that. I always wanted to achieve more but had great times.”
Hogg started his career as a youth with York City, before Ipswich Town landed him in a £150,000 deal, and also had a loan spell with Boston United, before former Hibs boss Tony Mowbray snapped him up in 2005.
The centre half forced himself into the Hibeess first team, and became a maintstay of the outstanding side built by Mowbray.
Hogg was part of the Hibees 2007 League Cup Winning side, and then went on to captain the club.
However, after nearly 200 appearances in the green and white, Hogg moved on to Inverness Caley in 2011.
He then suffered a horrible knee injury in December 2011, whilst playing against Dundee Utd.
After a successful operation on his knee, he signed a new contract with ICT.
Hoggy made his comeback some 15 months later in a 4-3 win over Motherwell, and was then offered another new contract by the highland club.
He decided to turn this offer down and left the club last summer.
Hibernian-Mad would like to take this oppertunity to wish Chris and his young family all the very best for the future, he will always be welcome back at Easter Road.