One player who won't be in the professional ranks next season is Ali Gibb who has decided to call time on his 16-year career at the age of 32. His career took him to Norwich, Northampton, Stockport, Bristol Rovers, Hartlepool and Notts County but he is looking ahead to pastures new after being released from Meadow Lane this month. The stylish winger is still likely to continue in a part-time capacity but is preparing fully for the next phase of his working life. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Gibb in his last interview as a professional footballer.
Q:
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT SEASON?
A:
I am going to retire from full-time football. I know people might think that this is premature at the age of 32 but I have got to think what is going to be most beneficial for me at this stage of my career. I have had a lot of time to reflect on this and have been offered work for a couple of companies and there could be a possibility of combining this with part-time football. I have got to think sensibly and this will be my job for the next 20 years and I don't need to keep travelling round the country trying to get a year's contract.
Q:
WHY WOULD YOU DECIDE TO PLAY PART-TIME FOOTBALL?
A:
It will help me through a transitional period where I get used to not being a full-time footballer any more. I am training to work in wealth management and financial advice and it is a career that has always appealed to me. I want to say a big thank you to the PFA as they have helped me gain a host of qualifications with their education grants and this has set me well on my way. I have acquired ‘A’ Levels and an HNC in Business and Finance as well as a degree in Business and finance that is applicable to the industry. It will take six years to reach charter status and this will enable me to specialise in certain areas.
Q:
WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO CALL IT A DAY?
A:
I went on loan to Notts County last season and got injured. I just knew at the end of the season that the time was right to call it a day and you have got to judge these things on their merits. Football gives you a financial head start if you are sensible and it is the right time to go home. I have lived away from home for two years and there is an opportunity for me to move back with my family and play part-time football too.
Q:
IS IT DIFFICULT FOR THIRTYSOMETHINGS TO GET CONTRACTS THESE DAYS?
A:
It is definitely getting more difficult for players over the age of 30 to get a deal. If you look at the game nowadays then nearly all of the transfers involve players around the age of 24 or under and it is all about energy and fitness. You have to be realistic and say do teams need older players in certain areas? They might do at centre half or as a striker but in wide areas you need lots of youthful zest.
Q:
WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?
A:
It was undoubtedly my time at Stockport County as I was playing regular football in the Championship. Sometimes when you go to a club it just clicks for you and I really enjoyed my years at Edgeley Park.
Q:
WILL YOU MISS FOTBALL?
A:
Most definitely. I will miss the interaction with the other players and the fact you can keep yourself fit. The challenge of full-time football and competing against someone every day is also something I will miss. Every player has highs and lows but the highs far outweigh the lows and you think your career will go on forever but you are soon finished. It has been great fun though.
Q:
ARE YOU PLEASED YOU USED THE PFA'S EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO HELP FURTHER YOUR CAREER?
A:
I was under the impression that if you put on your CV that you had played professional football it would open a few doors but it doesn't work like that. There are transferable skills that you can take with you but it is important to prepare for your exit from the game. The PFA are first class and give you the financial assistance necessary so there are no excuses not to prepare.
