Non Premier League players facing bankruptcy, divorce after retirement: Research

Footballers outside the Premier League are reportedly facing a tough life as they face divorce and bankruptcy following their retirement.

A research has found that players outside the Premier League face a tough life when they retire with one out of three cases getting divorced within a year of retirement.

The Daily Star report said 700 players registered at English clubs in 201-13 are now jobless with the likes of former Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie and former Manchester United player Keith Gillespie being declared bankrupt in 2012 and 2010 respectively.

The research further said that 40 percent of the players are declared bankrupt within five years and 80 percent suffer from osteoarthritis after they leave the beautiful game.

Former England footballer Dean Holdsworth, who runs a charity for ex-professionals named Xpro, has said that for top players, the issue is a loss of status, but for the younger player who is released by lower-rung clubs, the concern is how to pay the mortgage.

Holdsworth also said that his charity manages the majority of players who need help with finances or welfare, adding that Championship players and further down the line have 20 or 30 years after their careers when they have to financially support themselves.