Steven Saunders Announces Retirement

Steven Saunders has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 29. The former Scotland international who most recently played in the Scottish Championship for Partick Thistle ends his career having made over 150 appearances between six clubs.

Starting his career as a youth at Queen’s Park, Saunders made his first move to North Lanarkshire in 2008 as he signed for Motherwell under Mark McGhee at the age of 17. Having spent five seasons at the club, Steven wrapped up over 50 appearances and became a regular under former manager Jim Gannon.

After leaving Motherwell at the end of the 2012-2013 season, Ross County signed Steven in July 2013 as he looked to get back playing regularly having suffered an achilles tendon injury which stalled his career. He made his debut against Celtic losing 2-1 in the opening game of the 2013-2014 season. Over the course of two seasons which he spent at the club, he struggled to get back playing and made only 19 appearances scoring once for the club.

After being released from Ross County, Steven signed a short-term contract at Scottish Championship side Dumbarton before completing a move to The New Saints the following year signing a two-year contract. Having helped the Welsh club claim their 12th league title in the 2017-2018 season, Saunders re-established his career joining Scottish Premiership side Livingston at the end of that season. It was a tough spell at the club as he struggled to cement his starting place and was limited to only five appearances for the lions.

Partick Thistle lured the central defender to Firhill on an 18 month contract in January 2019 as they looked to earn promotion back to the top tier having been relegated the previous season. Steven was a mainstay in the Thistle side and having scored his first goal for the club against Stranraer in the Scottish League Cup in a 4-1 victory, he went on to make 28 appearances scoring on two occasions.

Everyone at Superior Sports congratulates Steven on his career & wishes him and his family the best of luck in their future endeavours.