Sean Murdoch: Dunfermline Athletic goalkeeper to retire and become referee
Last updated on .From the section Dunfermline
Dunfermline Athletic goalkeeper Sean Murdoch aims to "go as high as I can" as he pursues a refereeing career.
The 32-year-old former Hibs and Hamilton man has not played since December 2017 due to injury and will retire at the end of the season.
"People say I'm mad but it's always been an ambition of mine to become a referee," he told BBC Sportsound.
"If you are good enough, you will get to the top. That's the Scottish Premiership and European football."
Murdoch is already qualified as a Category 3 development referee, having passed his first exam at the age of 21.
"I reached Cat3D at 28 and to progress further I'd have had to have given up football, and I thought I was just a bit too young for that," he said.
"My plan was always to retire in the early 30s to give myself the best crack at the whip.
"The process is no different for me. I won't get any special treatment. I'm not doing it just to stay in the game.
"It's a very difficult job but I've played at a good level and watched the top guys and that will stand me in good stead.
"In two weeks, I'll be doing club academy football and women's games. From next season, it's the juniors. They are tough and get you ready for senior football."
