Former Rovers loanee Tommie Hoban has retired from professional football aged 27.

Hoban signed for League One side Crewe Alexandra in the summer after his deal with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen expired.

However, the defender informed Crewe boss Dave Artell of his decision on the eve of the new season, leaving the club without making an appearance.

Announcing the news, Artell said: “I had a text off Tommie on the Wednesday before the Cheltenham game, he said he didn't feel quite right, but it was a pleasant message. I gave him a ring and he just told me that he was retiring over the phone and I haven't seen him since.

“That's the long and the short of it. The contract situation has been getting sorted over this last week and unfortunately, Tommie has decided to retire.”

Hoban has struggled with injury throughout his career, including during his 2016/17 spell at Ewood. He made 16 appearances in all, including six of the final 15 that Tony Mowbray took charge of.

One of those saw him score a winner at Nottingham Forest to give Rovers a 1-0 victory.

He started his career at Watford, making 58 appearances for the Hornets before a move to Aberdeen where he played 51 times prior to his departure in the summer.