Hard knock life of a professional

Life for professional soccer players in the 1970s wasn't all Hello magazine and finding their feminine sides as a study by Coventry…

Life for professional soccer players in the 1970s wasn't all Hello magazine and finding their feminine sides as a study by Coventry University recently revealed. Chronic arthritis, anxiety and depression await many football professionals after the end of their career. The conclusion was drawn after 284 former professionals from what was then England's first division were questioned in a survey. Most are now in their mid-50s. Forty three are invalids unable to work, one third have been forced to have surgery since the end of their careers - usually due to chronic arthritis, with which almost half of them suffer. Anxiety and depression was particularly noted among players who suffered knee injuries. Fifteen of those questioned have already had hip operations and 25 more will require such an operation.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column