Former Stoke City goalkeeper retires at the age of just 24 amid drastic career change

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Former Stoke City and New Zealand Under-23s goalkeeper Scott Morris has retired from football at the age of just 24.

He joined the Potters from Christchurch FC in January 2024 after helping the club to a domestic treble and helping his country reach the Paris Olympics.

Potter signed on an 18-month deal after being invited by then-manager Alex Neil’s old keeper coach and ex-Coventry City stopper Jonathan Gould, who had coached in New Zealand.

However, Morris returned home in July after only making fleeting appearances for Stoke’s Under-21s, signing for Auckland FC. Now, though, he’s made the saddening decision to hang up his boots.

Auckland FC goalkeeper Scott Morris retires at 24 due to injury

Morris was reportedly struggling with a hip problem during his time at the bet365 Stadium, and he never made a breakthrough into the first team.

He left Stoke to reunite with Gould who had also moved to Auckland FC, hoping to battle for no.1 spot for the Kiwi outfit.

However, his reccuring hip issue has led him to retire.

“It is unfortunate, I was looking forward to starting again at Auckland FC and giving my all for the club,” he said to Auckland FC’s website.

“Sadly, it wasn’t to be, but I need to think of my future beyond football, and my health must come first. Luckily, I have plenty to keep me busy outside of football.”

Auckland FC have pledged to assist Morris transition of football and to prioritise getting back to full fitness.

Scott Morris now focusing on his criminal law and justice degree

A career at Stoke in the Championship wasn’t meant to be for Morris, but he’s already looking at alternative careers.

However, he’s making sure to get a much-earned holiday in first after a whirlwind two months since his Potters exit.

“I’m going to spend some time sitting on a beach relaxing,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done that.”

“And then I am also studying for a degree in criminal justice and law, so I will put my all into that.”

Auckland FC have signed Oli Sail as Morris’ replacement.