35 today

35 today so that’s me  officially in my  mid thirties. At 16 I thought getting to this day would take a life time but its here. Back then I was in dream land when all my wishes came true when I began a career to fulfil a boyhood ambition to be a professional footballer. 15 guys signed that year and looking back we were all a bit over ambitious. We dreamed big but didn’t want it enough. The work ethic wasn’t there and it came and went in a flash.

I can now cash in on my pension(not that much). When I signed we took out a footballers pension that would mature at 35 when our career would be ‘over’ and we’d be finished and id be over the hill. It was some of the most amazing years of my life that have shaped the person I am today, not perfect mind you but the constant reminder the seize every opportunity as if its the last stays with me to this day.

If you are 16 now dont sit still. In the team photo below we all thought we’d have a career and make plenty of money in football but only one person in that photo made a career out of it and 90% quit playing football altogether before there were 22-25. Think ahead and dream with a brain. This world is a rat race & luck sometimes plays a part. Consistently have Plan A, B, C and D when things dont work out. You  need to be honest, work hard  and not sit still. I’ve met some amazing people of different personalities over the years and have taken little tips from each of them and moulded them into my own. Ive a beautiful wife that supports me in everything(mostly) I do and two healthy beautiful children. Who needs ferrari’s  and million euro bank accounts!! (ok, there maybe an argument on that one!)

But am i really finished at 35??definitely not. This post is a personal therapy session to remind myself to keep working hard, keep meeting new people and continue to learn. Always be thankful and never take anything for granted.

BMC