It was once the norm for most successful footballers upon retiring from the game, if not to become a coach or manager, then to go into the Licensing trade and run their own Public House. However some were ill equipped for the change and bankruptcy sometimes followed early optimism.
Currently Premier League players live the dream, earning fortunes most of us can only dream of, but when they retire, more often than not, they drift out of the picture. Apart from those who again become a coach or manager or, if they are lucky, turn their hand to the trying life of a TV pundit. For them, any work just helps to top up the glamorous lifestyle to which they have become accustomed, which sometimes includes drink and/or gambling problems. For the majority of ex players however, who have sometimes been on a high tax bracket, the new work is simply a way to pay the bills, mortgage and school fees when their monthly pay packet ceases to arrive.
Many have had to declare themselves bankrupt, such as former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie who was declared bankrupt in 2012; and David James and Newcastle winger Keith Gillespie, who both lost millions.
For those who plan for the future things can be different, both in job choice and also in also in outcome of investments.
Nicknamed ‘God of Anfield’ by the Kopites, goal- poacher and ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has an estimated net worth of over £31 million. after he amassed a rental property empire of over 80 houses. Partnering with lifelong friend Steve McManaman, Fowler founded a company called The Macca and Growler Partnership, which invests in racehorses in the early 2000s. His second company, Robbie Fowler Sports Promotions, is estimated to be worth at least £1.58 million.
Former Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen, though has done a bit more than the odd coaching role after he called it quits and hung up boots at the age of 32 in 2009.
At the time he was blasted by the Danish press for throwing his life away. He was in a relationship with a porn star called Kira Eggers and comment pieces in the country suggested he was washed up and on a slippery slope to ruin.
Gravesen invested his career earnings in a number of financial businesses and struck the jackpot and now the former Danish international is reportedly now a multi millionaire, living in Las Vegas since announcing his second 'retirement' at the age of 37. Poker, roulette and blackjack are now amongst his favourite games.
Others have had varied careers:-
Everton's World Cup winner Ray Wilson became an undertaker.
Neil Webb ( Man Utd ) and Kevin Hector ( Derby County ) both became postmen.
Everton's Brett Angel worked night shifts at Tesco.
Everton legend Barry Horne is a teacher of chemistry and physics at The King's School, Chester.
Former Newcastle player Philippe Albert runs a small fruit and vegetable business in Belgium.
David May, Champions League winner with Manchester United, founded a partnership to import South African wine.
For those who plan for the future things can be different, both in job choice and also in also in outcome of investments.
Nicknamed ‘God of Anfield’ by the Kopites, goal- poacher and ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has an estimated net worth of over £31 million. after he amassed a rental property empire of over 80 houses. Partnering with lifelong friend Steve McManaman, Fowler founded a company called The Macca and Growler Partnership, which invests in racehorses in the early 2000s. His second company, Robbie Fowler Sports Promotions, is estimated to be worth at least £1.58 million.
Former Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen, though has done a bit more than the odd coaching role after he called it quits and hung up boots at the age of 32 in 2009.
At the time he was blasted by the Danish press for throwing his life away. He was in a relationship with a porn star called Kira Eggers and comment pieces in the country suggested he was washed up and on a slippery slope to ruin.
Gravesen invested his career earnings in a number of financial businesses and struck the jackpot and now the former Danish international is reportedly now a multi millionaire, living in Las Vegas since announcing his second 'retirement' at the age of 37. Poker, roulette and blackjack are now amongst his favourite games.
Others have had varied careers:-
Everton's World Cup winner Ray Wilson became an undertaker.
Neil Webb ( Man Utd ) and Kevin Hector ( Derby County ) both became postmen.
Everton's Brett Angel worked night shifts at Tesco.
Everton legend Barry Horne is a teacher of chemistry and physics at The King's School, Chester.
Former Newcastle player Philippe Albert runs a small fruit and vegetable business in Belgium.
David May, Champions League winner with Manchester United, founded a partnership to import South African wine.
Carlton Palmer, ex Sheffield Wednesday, is now Director of Sport at Wellington College in Shanghai.
Former Sunderland and Derby County striker Marco Gabbiadini runs an award-winning Bishops guest house in York.
Ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Espen Baardsen is a fund manager and macro analyst at Eclectica Asset Management.
Ex-Sunderland forward Kevin Kyle has been earning £800 a fortnight by working as a storeman on a ship in the Shetland Islands in order to provide for his family.
So, before you wish for the dream of being a professional footballer, remember, it's not all Wine and Roses.
Former Sunderland and Derby County striker Marco Gabbiadini runs an award-winning Bishops guest house in York.
Ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Espen Baardsen is a fund manager and macro analyst at Eclectica Asset Management.
Ex-Sunderland forward Kevin Kyle has been earning £800 a fortnight by working as a storeman on a ship in the Shetland Islands in order to provide for his family.
So, before you wish for the dream of being a professional footballer, remember, it's not all Wine and Roses.
Dixie Dean - running The Dublin Packet in Chester
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