What do retired lower league professional footballers do to maintain an income?

Just curious. Let's say a league 2 journeyman comes to the end of his career. He is 38. He has dedicated himself to his profession, has no trade or academic qualifications, and finds himself to have run out of road. Where now to maintain an income? I am a little naive on this, e.g. is there a pension? Also, how far up the chain does a footballer have to go in order to live in a comfort zone of no financial worries post his football career?

 

Unless they've got coaching badges, broadcasting contacts, pubs, racehorses, etc I guess they just look for a job like anybody else. Windass struggled to earn a living after football, Ash was flogging luxury watches to his mates for a while. It's a dismal prospect.

 

Coaching/management/scouting/property investments/financial advisors/agents/high end sales ( watches, cars etc ) / media work/ PFA pension/ learn a trade... Those are just some of the things ex pros that I know do.

 

I am pretty sure Windass is back on building sites. Used to see him regularly getting in builders vans only a year ago ik kirk ella.

 

And promoting CBD oil

 

Dismal stuff.

 

He was helping his mate with his business during Covid. Deano is back on the after dinner circuit among other things and is very busy. He also spends a lot of time with his mental health support work. The other players I know have differing jobs from NHS porter, lorry driver to postie or in some cases doing **** all !

 

And performing hypnotist. Don’t forget that choice.

 

Ben Burgess is a teacher. Stuart Elliot is a pastor.

 

Players should just start publicly disagreeing with common opinions and they’d get a gig on talk sport easy.

 

Run a massage parlour aka brothel.

 

We bow to your inside knowlwdge.

 

Tagliatelle or linguine?

 

I'm not sure there is a level where players would be able to retire comfortably, as the more you earn the more you tend to spend. I think sadly a lot of players regardless of the level they played at end up pretty destitute unless they're lucky enough to get a media gig, or have gone through their coaching badges. Of course that's a bit of a generalisation and a lot of players will be sensible with their money, but in some ways the ones who earn more are more at risk because they become accustomed to a certain lifestyle.

It's also all about who you know, can end up with a cushy job after football in real estate or something else where your name recognition means something.

 

Most these days seem pretty switched on, having their fingers in many pies from an early age. It's not unusual for pros to be directors of one or more companies during their playing careers now which they hope will see them through once they hang their boots up.

 

There was a report earlier this year claiming around 60% of ex-EPL are declared bancrupt with 5 years of retirement. Based on research be a football charity.

Not sure if it'd be better or worse for players further down the pyramid. Probably worse though if I had to guess.

 

I think a lot of players get lessons to help them financially these days. I’m pretty sure the parents, in a lot of cases, will help them too, but then it’s a case of how much will they listen. If they’ve got their heads screwed on properly, then they have a chance.

 

About 25 years back in my college lecturing days a couple of lower league clubs around the Manchester area sent their apprentices, one day a week, on business / finance courses. Sadly, most weren't very interested thinking, I guess, of the riches waiting for them when they were spotted by Premier league clubs. Unfortunately I can only recall one former student who actually made a first team appearance at either club.

 

If they’ve retired they’ve been very savvy.

As with most other jobs. It’s the end of one & the beginning of another. If they’ve not spent time & effort thinking about, preparing & planning for this eventuality then they’ve been a bit daft.