Celtic and Aberdeen hero Billy Stark retires from football as he leaves Scotland U19s role

Former East Kilbride boss and ex-Albion Rovers assistant Billy Stark has announced his retirement from football.

The news comes after the 67-year-old ex-Celtic and Aberdeen hero missed out on qualification for Euro 2024 as head coach of Scotland's under-19s last week.

Stark, who had a spell at Hamilton Academical as a player before going on to have coaching roles in Lanarkshire with Rovers and Kilby, has called time on his career in the game after an impressive stint as both a player and a coach earned several trophies.

In a statement realeased by the Scottish FA, Stark said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the best young players in Scotland throughout my two spells at the association.

"I would like to thank the staff and players who have helped me throughout the years.

"Regarding our most recent group, we are proud of the achievement to qualify for the Elite Round and, although it was disappointing not to progress to the finals, the players in this group will be better for the experience and I am certain we will see them continue to flourish in the future."

Stark started his career at St Mirren, where he won the First Division and playing over 250 games. He then went on to enjoy huge success with Aberdeen, where he claimed two league titles, two Scottish Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Super Cup from 1983-87.

He then earned a move to Celtic in 1987, helping them to two Scottish Cup wins and a league title triumph during a three-year spell, before hanging up his boots in 1994 after two spells at Kilmarnock in between a short stint at Accies.

Coaching then beckoned and he joined Celtic as assistant manager to Tommy Burns, winning the Scottish Cup in 1995. When Burns left in 1997, Stark would take three games