Almost half of professional footballers face the threat of bankruptcy within five years of their retirement. A third will be divorced less than a year after hanging up their boots. With little or no support from the game to which they gave their lives, many end up addicted, depressed, living with debilitating illnesses, behind bars or even worse. While an elite few may be financially secure, or others may land plum managerial jobs or punditry roles, it transpires that for the majority retirement is something they're not prepared for and lives can spiral into a rapid and depressing decline. Retired is the ultimate 'where are they now?' and asks what actually happens to most footballers once they hang up their boots? How do players cope with going from heroes to zeroes in such a short space of time? And what can be done to help with their transition to normal life?

About the Author
Alan Gernon is a writer and award-winning stand-up comedian. He's written about football for a number of national and regional Irish newspapers, is a regular columnist for Ireland's leading independent bookmaker and has written and starred in comedy sketches on RTE television as a Football Manager addict. He supports Dundalk FC, Manchester United and the underdogs.


Book Information
ISBN 9781785311383
Author Alan Gernon
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
Publisher Pitch Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 230g