The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Defender leaves Pars to try his luck down south –
DUNFERMLINE: Club captain wants to try his luck back in his native England
Callum has informed us that he wishes to move back down south and try his luck again in England. ROSS MCARTHUR
Dunfermline have been dealt a huge blow in their preparations for next season after club captain Callum Morris turned down a new contract in favour of a return to England.
The 28-year-old joined the Pars for a second spell in January 2017 following stints with Aberdeen and Dundee United and went on to make 54 appearances for the Fifers.
Morris, who started his career with Newcastle before spells with Wigan and Hayes and Yeading, took his first steps into Scottish football when he arrived at East End Park in 2012, becoming a mainstay in his initial two seasons with the club.
The powerful centre-back was key in Dunfermline earning a promotion playoff place in the Championship last term and boss Allan Johnston was desperate to retain his services.
However, the Geordie has decided to seek opportunities south of the border.
Pars chairman Ross Mcarthur confirmed: “After much thought and deliberation, Callum has informed us that he wishes to move back down south and try his luck again in England.
“We wish Callum well and thank him for his loyal service to our club, both on and off the field, over two spells, at East End Park.
“Callum took the time to meet me in person to inform me of his decision face to face and I would like to praise Callum for the honourable and professional manner he has conducted himself during our discussions.”
Meanwhile, Sean Murdoch will undergo surgery today to cure a persistent hip complaint, with the Dunfermline goalkeeper facing another four months on the sidelines.
Murdoch, 31, has not featured for the Pars in 2018, with his last outing for the club coming in a 2-1 win over Brechin City on December 23.
The former Hamilton, Hibernian and Forfar goalkeeper saw several specialists, received numerous injections and underwent drip infusion treatment in a bid to regain fitness during the second half of last season.
However, Murdoch has been advised that surgery is the best course of action to finally cure the osteitis pubis issue. The procedure will take place at one of the country’s top hip and groin specialist clinics in Bradford today.
Following the operation, Murdoch will embark on a gruelling rehabilitation programme, with a view to returning to action in October.
Former Rangers and Queen of the South player Lee Robinson, who penned a new contract with the Fifers last month, will continue to act as Dunfermline’s first-choice keeper in Murdoch’s continued absence.