Former Aberdeen defender Tommie Hoban has retired aged just 27.
The versatile stopper left the Dons at the end of last season and signed for Crewe Alexandra in July.
But he informed manager David Artell of his decision to hang up his boots three days before the club's League One opener against Cheltenham Town.
The reason for Hoban's decision is unclear at this stage.
He has been plagued by numerous injuries and had twice suffered a serious anterior ligament problem in his career.
Artell told Crewe's official website: "I had a text off Tommie on the Wednesday before the Cheltenham game, he said he didn't feel quite right, but it was a pleasant message. I gave him a ring and he just told me that he was retiring over the phone and I haven't seen him since.
"That's the long and the short of it. The contract situation has been getting sorted over this last week and unfortunately, Tommie has decided to retire."
And a message from the club added: "We would like to wish Tommie all the best in his new venture away from football."
Hoban played for Aberdeen over two spells, the second following his release from Premier League side Watford.
