MORTON have been rocked by the sudden retirement of club captain Jim McAlister.

The club announced the surprise news this afternoon, revealing the long-serving 35-year-old will hang up his boots after tomorrow's game against Arbroath.

They said the player has decided to pursue a career elsewhere and that 'everyone at the club respects that decision'.

McAlister is in his second spell at the club and has been a key man in midfield.

He has also been assisting with coaching duties in recent weeks after the recent departure of manager David Hopkin.

The Rothesay native made his debut for the club way back in December 2002 during Ton's Third Division title-winning season.

He soon established himself as a fans' favourite and virtual ever-present in the first team, collecting another title medal in 2007 when winning the Second Division under Jim McInally.

His first spell at the Ton eventually came to an end in 2010, after 272 appearances, when he signed for Hamilton.

He went on to play for Dundee and Blackpool before coming 'home' to Cappielow in 2018 and being appointed club skipper.

McAlister reached the milestone of 350 appearances for the club at the beginning of the current season and with 360 now under his belt he is 10th in the all-time list.

A spokesperson for Morton said: "Everyone at the club would like to wish Jim good luck in his next venture, and offer him a wholehearted thank-you for his efforts and commitment to Greenock Morton FC over the years.

"Jim will always be welcome at Cappielow Park in the future and we will all have happy memories of his time with the club."