After a career spanning 561 senior appearances over 20 years, Chris Higgins has announced his retirement from football.

A product of the Motherwell youth system, Higgins signed for Clyde in June 2005, immediately establishing himself in the Bully Wee defence. It would turn out to be an eventful first season for the 20-year-old with Clyde knocking Celtic out of the Scottish Cup following a famous 2-1 win at Broadwood Stadium, on an afternoon when Roy Keane made his debut in the hoops.

The following season the Cumbernauld men reached the final of the Challenge Cup and were unfortunate to lose the final against Ross County at McDiarmid Park on penalty kicks.

Higgins spent four years at Broadwood before signing for Dunfermline Athletic in 2009. The Pars finished theirs in the First Division, followed by a title win in 2010-11 which ear ned them a place in the Premier League under Jim McIntyre.

Higgins put pen to paper for Queen of the South in the summer, with Gus McPherson’s men suffering relegation in his first league campaign but bouncing back the following season by winning the Second Division championship, with Allan Johnston now in charge. Higgins also played an instrumental part in the Doonhamers’ Challenge Cup success beating Partick Thistle in the final on penalty kicks at Livingston.

The Dumfries side competed will in the newly named Championship, reaching the Premiership play-offs in the next two seasons. After six years at Palmerston and having made more than 200 appearances, Higgins was on the road again, signing for Ian McCall’s Ayr United in May 2017.

A third career league championship medal was earned in Higgins’ first season, but the following campaign saw his appearances restricted owing to injury., leading to his move to East Fife, initially on loan, in February last year.

In 3 and a half seasons at Bayview, Higgins pulled on the black and gold 106 times and also captained the side on a number of occasions.

“Everyone at East Fife Football Club would like to offer Higgy out best wishes on his retirement. He has been the consummate professional during his time here at Bayview and we thank him for his efforts over the last 3 and a half years.” Jim Stevenson, East Fife Chairman

“I know from several conversations I had with Chris in the short time we worked together that he really enjoyed his time at East Fife but it was a deciaion that he felt was right for him and his family. I’m sure everyone at the club would like to wish him all the best for the future and also make sure he’s welcomed back to Bayview anytime to lend his support. Good luck Higgy and thanks again.” Stevie Crawford, East Fife Manager.

Career Appearances

Clyde (2005-2009): 159

Dunfermline Athletic (2009-2011): 43

Queen of the South (2011-2017): 222

Ayr United (2017-2019): 31

East Fife (2009-2022): 106