Motherwell striker hangs up his boots to join Fir Park coaching staff

Striker Jon Obika has announced his retirement from playing and will join Motherwell’s coaching staff this summer.

Former St Mirren hit man Obika missed large periods of last season due to a recurring hamstring injury and, following discussions with boss Stuart Kettlewell, has opted to hang up his boots.

Obika played 14 times last season, scoring three goals, and in the campaign before that he played 10 times for Motherwell, after arriving in February 2023 on loan from Morecambe.

Obika, 33, told the club’s website: “I just feel this is where I’m supposed to be. When reflecting back, I just knew that this opportunity doesn’t come often under people you value and respect. I feel honoured.

“The gaffer was a big part of my decision. When he first came in, just watching how he took over, and across the 18 months seeing him work, he is someone you want to deliver for.

“I feel, in this role, I can deliver for him.”

Kettlewell said: “This has been something we’ve had in the pipeline.

“I’ve often said how nice a person Jon is. His season has been tricky from a playing perspective, due to injury, and extending his contract beyond this season wasn’t something we were going to do.

“However, I feel Jon’s experience in the game, playing at various levels, mixed with his personality, is a perfect combination for a first-team match.

“Obviously it has been a big decision from Jon to hang up the boots, and one we wanted him to take his time over.

“Thankfully, he has agree to our proposal, and now we can look forward to him bringing fresh ideas to the back-room staff net season.

“It’s an exciting time at the club as we continue to build for the future.”

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