Life after the final whistle: From a fisherman to a gang squad police officer...the obscure jobs ex-footballers have gone into after retirement

Of their pomp, they performed in entrance of packed stadiums and an adoring crowd, incomes 1000's of kilos per week. 

However somewhat than make the plain transfer into teaching or punditry, these former footballers opted to pursue obscure jobs after hanging up their boots.

From a pastor to a fisherman and from a detective to an actor, right here MailOnline seems at these footballers of their uncommon second professions. 

Kevin Francis

Now: Gang squad police in Canada 

A strong striker and a towering presence on the sphere, Kevin Francis made greater than 300 appearances within the Soccer League, netting 115 objectives.

He loved a prolific spell at Stockport County within the early 90s earlier than becoming a member of Birmingham Metropolis and Oxford United, the place he famously conceded a late penalty in an FA Cup tie with Chelsea that was netted by Frank Leboeuf (see under).

After ending his profession with non-league Studley, the 6ft 7in Saint Kitts & Nevis worldwide initially went out to Canada after being badgered by a pal to affix him for a trucking job.

Towering striker Kevin Francis (pictured left), with Lee Todd and Jason Lee at Stockport 

He instructed MailOnline: 'I used to be driving for about two and a half years. It was improbable in the summertime as I used to be seeing the size and breadth of Canada, however in winter it was a little bit bit scary because it was chilly, darkish and the transport infrastructure is not pretty much as good as it's within the UK.

'I used to be pulling two trailers and we'd usually work for 4 days on after which three days off, however typically it was for 10 days at a time. 

'As I used to be doing that one other pal I went to high school with, who had been with the West Midlands Police, moved out to Canada. He first labored in Edmonton, earlier than coming to Calgary. 

'He at all times used to say it was the most effective job on the planet however I used to be like 'I've already completed that!' However he stored telling me to use so finally I simply determined to do it. Ten years later and I am nonetheless there.'

Francis is now within the Gang Suppression Group in Calgary - which he has been with for the final 4 and half years - and he admitted it concerned some 'fairly heavy s***'. 

Francis now works within the gang squad within the police power in Calgary, in Canada

He stated: 'It's made up of two groups of 9 and we do a one-hour exercise earlier than shifts on daily basis, so it has that crew component that I had as a footballer and that was undoubtedly one thing that appealed to me, as these guys have gotten my again. 

'Ninety per cent of what we do is coping with gang members. Everybody is aware of who we're, so it is head to head and that may be fairly scary. We get a little bit little bit of historical past from the dispatch and so we all know somebody is perhaps in a bar or membership or carrying firearms, or have our bodies in a van, so now we have the unlucky job of figuring out what we're coping with.'

Recalling one in all his scariest moments, he revealed: 'One yr in the past we have been referred to as to an incident at a downtown evening membership in Calgary. Once we obtained there we heard the crack off 4 or 5 rounds of gunfire. We went throughout the highway and we noticed the gunman around the entrance with the bouncer, so we cornered him off and took his weapon off him after which went into the membership the place everybody was panicking and saying there had been a shooter inside. You'll be able to't swap off.'

He added: 'It is undoubtedly an adrenaline rush nevertheless it's a distinct form of rush from being a footballer. On daily basis is completely different and what you see on TV is not too removed from the reality.'

He joked: 'However I have never completed my Achilles or my ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) whereas doing this job!'   

One in every of Francis' two daughters, Stacey, represented England within the Commonwealth Video games at netball. 

She presently performs professionally for West Coast Fever in Perth. 

Phil Mulryne

Now: Coaching to be a priest 

Former Manchester United participant Phil Mulryne as soon as rubbed shoulders with the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs – however he has since swapped his strip for a cassock.

The 38-year-old, who represented Northern Eire 27 occasions, earned as much as £500,000-a-year throughout his enjoying heyday at Norwich Metropolis and dated glamour mannequin Nicola Chapman, who appeared on Actual Footballer's Wives 2005.

In the identical yr, Mulryne famously went on an all-night bender with ex-Manchester Metropolis participant Jeff Whitley throughout Northern Eire's World Cup qualification matches and was despatched residence in shame by supervisor Lawrie Sanchez.

Former Manchester United participant Phil Mulryne is now coaching to be a Catholic priest

In October this yr, the previous Nowich and Northern Eire footballer was ordained by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, and is now a member of the Dominican Order

After ill-fated spells at Cardiff Metropolis and Leyton Orient, he determined in opposition to a profession in teaching in favour of a extra non secular existence.

Mulryne enrolled on the Pontifical Irish School in Rome in 2009, step one on his journey to changing into a priest after ending his profession at non-league King's Lynn.

He then spent two years learning philosophy in Rome, earlier than enterprise a four-year theology diploma in Belfast.

In October this yr, he was ordained by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, and is now a member of the Dominican Order.

A month earlier the ex-midfielder had been declared bankrupt at Belfast's Excessive Courtroom after investing closely in a movie trade tax scheme.

Jody Craddock  

Now: Artist

A pure chief on the sphere, many would have anticipated no-thrills defender Jody Craddock to develop into a coach after calling time on his profession at Wolves.

A lot to his former teammates' shock he determined in opposition to doing so and is now incomes a residing as knowledgeable artist.

His work – a mix of his portraiture and experimental type – has appeared at galleries and exhibitions and he has been commissioned to provide items for fellow professionals corresponding to former England captain John Terry.

Former Wolves captain Jody Craddock, pictured celebrating their promotion in 2009 (left) is now knowledgeable artist 

The defender performed for Sunderland for six years and it was there he was in a position to afford new supplies and pursue his interest

Craddock, who made a complete of 581 senior appearances in a 22-year profession, instructed MailOnline: 'I really like artwork and I really like portray. It is onerous work as I am not established or a giant title within the artwork would however I am plugging away.

'When it is freezing chilly exterior I bear in mind how I was operating round in my shorts…however now I am good and heat in my studio!

'Artwork has at all times been a interest of mine. Once I wasn't enjoying soccer I used to be both enjoying golf or portray and drawing. I began by copying out a number of superhero photos. Over time the extra I did, the higher I obtained.'

His previous crew mates have been initially sceptical about his new-found occupation.

'They have been like 'oh yeah what's this s*** going to be like?' However they've been quietly impressed', he revealed.

'My goal is to be recognised as an artist who was fairly good at soccer somewhat than an ex-footballer who likes to color.'

Lee Bowyer  

Now: Fisherman

The heartbeat of the dazzling Leeds United facet that reached the semi-final of the Champions league in 2001, former England worldwide Lee Bowyer opened a carp fishing lake in France following his retirement from soccer.

The 39-year-old, who additionally performed for his boyhood membership West Ham, in addition to Newcastle United, stated: 'I obtained the bug as a child, catching roach in my native canal. Now I could possibly be knowledgeable I feel.'

He purchased the lake, close to a village referred to as Orconte, in north-eastern France, and named it Etang de Bows which interprets as Bows' Lake – his nickname.

Former Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer opened a carp fishing lake in France after retiring

Bowyer courted controversy throughout his profession and famously fought with teammate Kieron Dyer, whereas at Newcastle United 

Bowyer, who needs a return to soccer, purchased the lake, close to a village referred to as Orconte, in north-eastern France, and named it Etang de Bows which interprets as Bows' Lake – his nickname

In a earlier interview with Sportsmail, the goal-scoring midfielder stated: 'You both love or hate fishing. I find it irresistible – I used it as a getaway as a participant. It allowed me to modify off as a result of I used to be a nightmare in any other case.'

Bowyer scored 99 objectives throughout his profitable enjoying profession however he additionally attracted headlines for his misdemeanours off the sphere.

Together with former Leeds crew mate Jonathan Woodgate, he was acquitted of GBH in relation to an incident close to a Leeds nightclub in January 2000, wherein an Asian pupil suffered extreme accidents.

He was additionally fined £30,000 for combating Newcastle team-mate Kieron Dyer on the pitch throughout a recreation in 2005.

Final month he revealed his want to return to soccer and was linked with the managerial place at his first membership, Charlton Athletic.

Frank Leboeuf

Now: Actor

The classy Frenchman received the World Cup in his residence nation in 1998, and lifted the FA Cup twice, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup throughout a glittering spell with Chelsea.

After ending his profession in Qatar, the bald-headed centre-half relocated to Los Angeles and performed soccer with Vinnie Jones earlier than following the ex-Wimbledon man into performing.

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf is now an actor and appeared in Concept of All the things

Leboeuf, who's 48, stated: 'My job in every function is to make individuals overlook about me as a footballer'

In a earlier interview with Sportsmail, he stated: 'It was my first ardour. I wished to develop into an actor earlier than changing into a soccer participant.  

'Due to my mom I used to be watching films and we used to look at performs as effectively. I instructed her I wished to be an actor.

'However my father created a soccer academy, so I used to play with my father and associates and it went effectively. I by no means had any regrets. However after I gave up my profession in 2005 I went to Los Angeles as a result of I used to be so determined to be taught.'

In 2014, Leboeuf performed the function of the physician within the Stephen Hawking biopic, the Concept of All the things, that was nominated for an Oscar.

'In sport, the aim was titles', he defined. 'Within the film trade, you need to share one thing inventive, one thing inventive.  

'My job in every function is to make individuals overlook about me as a footballer, to solely see my character. Having that life in soccer will not be a plus in my life proper now as a result of individuals always remember what you probably did.'

Dani Osvaldo

Now: Musician

Flamboyant floppy-haired striker Dani Osvaldo grew to become Southampton's report signing, when the membership splashed out £15million on the Argentine-born Italian.

In a dismal spell on the South Coast he mustered solely three objectives and is greatest remembered for headbutting team-mate Jose Fonte throughout a coaching floor bust-up. 

After being farmed out on mortgage to Juventus and Internazionale, the 30-year-old ended his profession at Boca Juniors, the place he was sacked by the membership after being caught smoking within the altering rooms.

Controversial striker Dani Osvaldo, pictured enjoying for Southampton, in December 2013

The flamboyant former participant (pictured centre) is now lead singer of the band Barrio Viejo

Osvaldo (left) stated soccer was 'filled with s**t' and now feels 'liberated' as he is devoted to music 

Italian membership Chievo supplied the controversial participant one other probability to resurrect his profession with a £2million-a-year contract, however he determined to show his again on soccer in favour of music. 

Osvaldo - who as soon as punched a teammate within the face for failing to go him the ball whereas at Roma - now performs vocals for band Barrio Viejo.

The group are reported to be making the early steps of their profession in Argentina after enjoying small exhibits in bars in Barcelona.  

Osvaldo instructed Fox Sports activities Argentina: 'Soccer was not completely satisfied, it's a world filled with s**t. I realised that I used to be sad and determined to say sufficient.'  

'I really feel like I've liberated part of me. Now I really feel calm, I am devoted to what I really like: music.'  

Gavin Peacock

Now: Pastor

The son of knowledgeable footballer, Gavin Peacock amassed 542 league appearances for golf equipment together with Newcastle, Chelsea and QPR earlier than retiring in 2002 after an 18-year profession.

After hanging up his boots, Peacock appeared as a visitor on Soccer Focus and Match of the Day.

He was an analyst for the BBC on the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, after which he introduced he was quitting his media function to develop into a Pastor in Canada.

As an alternative of giving his ideas on the newest match, Peacock now preaches to his congregation at Calvary Grace Church, within the metropolis of Calgary within the Province of Alberta. 

Gavin Peacock amassed 542 league appearances for golf equipment together with Newcastle, Chelsea and QPR (pictured, celebrating a aim in opposition to West Brom)

After retiring from soccer and punditry, Gavin Peacock is now a preacher in Calgary, Canada

Peacock relocated to Canada along with his household after working as an analyst throughout Euro 2008

The 49-year-old stated: 'I left England after Euro 2008, after I had been working as a part of the TV crew for the BBC.

'And never lengthy after I used to be residing in a small city in a wierd nation, getting up at seven within the morning to check Hebrew at eight, adopted by historic Greek at 10. And I questioned, 'What have I obtained myself into?'

'It by no means felt prefer it was going to be for ever. Once I obtained the decision to enter the ministry I simply felt like that what I used to be meant to do. I really feel compelled to do it. I used to be in my research studying my Bible when it appeared somebody had highlighted the phrases on the pages. I out of the blue felt the calling to evangelise.'

He added: 'Coming to Canada was like stripping issues again, I could not commerce off my title. Nobody was going to offer me a listening to as a result of I used to be Gavin Peacock, ex-Chelsea captain.'

Final yr Peacock courted controversy when he was accused of sexism for tweeting 'Wives: one of many main methods you're to respect your husband is by gladly submitting to and inspiring his management.' 

Dion Dublin

Now: Presenter of Houses Below The Hammer and inventor of 'The Dube'

Former England striker Dion Dublin was the shock alternative as the brand new Houses Below The Hammer presenter final yr. 

The favored 47-year-old, who made greater than 600 league appearances throughout a 20-year profession enjoying for a number of golf equipment together with Norwich Metropolis, Aston Villa and Coventry Metropolis, labored within the media after retiring in Could 2008.

However final yr, he was surprisingly introduced because the third presenter of the property public sale present when he joined Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander. 

After retiring, Dublin was revealed because the shock option to current Houses Below The Hammer

Dublin made greater than 600 league appearances throughout his profession, together with at Aston Villa

Earlier this yr it emerged millionaire Dublin had benefited from coaching costing as much as £50,000 from the BBC's Variety Inventive Expertise Fund to arrange him for his new function internet hosting the property programme. 

Regardless of the coaching, the ex-Manchester United participant confronted criticism for his shaky efficiency on present, which prompted him to answer that he would 'do higher'.    

Alexander, who had been with the present because it started in 2003, give up as Dublin's co-presenter in July this yr.  

After ending up at Norwich, the prolific 6ft 2in striker additionally launched his personal percussion instrument, 'The Dube', a cube-shaped drum performed with the fingers.

Dublin, pictured with fellow Villa teammate Lee Hendrie, after their name ups to the nationwide facet

Arjan de Zeeuw 

Now: Detective

Strapping defender Arjan de Zeeuw made a profession out of stopping attackers throughout his time at Barnsley, Wigan, Portsmouth and Coventry.

However after retiring, he now spends his time attempting to stamp out crime - as a detective in his native Holland.

De Zeeuw, who was paradoxically nicknamed 'The Peacemaker' in his enjoying days, as soon as captained Wigan in entrance of 67,000 followers in opposition to Manchester United within the 2006 League Cup closing.

Arjan De Zeeuw (pictured enjoying for Wigan) is now a police detective in Holland (proper) 

De Zeeuw (pictured whereas enjoying for Wigan in 2006) - the yr he captained them within the Carling Cup closing in opposition to Manchester United 

Lately he investigates circumstances involving human trafficking and medicines within the Dutch metropolis of Alkmaar.

De Zeeuw, who was as soon as bizarrely named by Tony Blair as his favorite participant, grew to become knowledgeable later than normal - at 22 - and already had a medical diploma when he joined Barnsley in 1995.

After spells skippering Portsmouth and Wigan, the Dutch defender ending his English enjoying profession at Coventry.

As soon as retired, he introduced his medical diploma updated nevertheless it was going to take a minimum of seven years to high quality as a physician.

He as a substitute joined the fast-track policing scheme in Holland and now specialises in forensics. 

'You'll be able to play soccer in entrance of tens of 1000's of individuals however that is fully completely different', he instructed Sportsmail.

In an interview with The Guardian, he added: 'My footballing previous helps in that I am used to bodily contact. We get coaching in dealing with ourselves in unstable conditions and I am fairly relaxed about that.'  

David Hillier

Now: A fireman  

Former Arsenal and England U21 midfielder David Hillier received a League winner's medal in 1990 however failed to carry down a spot within the Gunners crew.

After he was discovered responsible of stealing a briefcase belonging to a Danish businessman at Gatwick Airport in 1996, he was bought to Portsmouth when Arsene Wenger arrived in North London and went on to play for Bristol Rovers and Barnet within the decrease leagues.

Within the days earlier than the staggering salaries footballers command right this moment, Hillier needed to 'get out and make ends meet' after retiring in 2003. 

Hillier, pictured with Kevin Campbell and David Seaman, within the yr he received a League medal with Arsenal - he's now a fireman 

In an interview with the Guardian, he revealed: 'Me and the missus have been driving previous the hearth station at some point and he or she simply stated ', it is a bit like a soccer membership: you spend plenty of time collectively, working as a crew...I simply thought why not''.

Nevertheless, with no prior expertise of interviews, Hillier struggled to land the job.

Lastly, on the fourth time of asking, he handed the interview stage and was allowed to start his firefighting work in Bristol.

'The push is unimaginable', he defined. 'Soccer simply cannot evaluate. It is the concern issue kicking in. It is fairly critical s***'.

He instructed the Telegraph: 'Firefighting is a crew job. It is like being a footballer, however on about 100 grand a yr much less.' 

Hillier was a tenacious midfielder and made greater than 100 appearances for Arsenal 

Tim Wiese

Now: WWE Wrestler 

Former Germany shot stopper Tim Wiese - who was within the nationwide squad for the 2010 World Cup - has develop into a WWE wrestler after hanging up his gloves.

Wiese, who received 13 caps for Germany between 2008 and 2012, made his in-ring debut in Munich in November.  

His WWE profession obtained off to a profitable begin. 

Tim Wiese - who was within the Germany squad for the 2010 World Cup - is now a WWE wrestler

The 34-year-old, competing alongside companions Cesaro and Sheamus, beat the crew of The Shining Stars and Bo Dallas.

He obtained the pinfall after performing his ending transfer, a physique splash.  

Talking to Sky Sports activities, he stated: 'Anybody can have a go, I will be unbeatable.

'That is Champions League. WWE is the largest factor in wrestling, so I am absolutely targeted and mixing out every thing else round me.'

The previous Werder Bremen keeper added: 'I do not actually see wrestling as an escape, it is an alternative choice to changing into fats and sitting on the sofa.'

The 34-year-old former goalkeeper made his in-ring debut in Munich in November

The burly 6ft 4in former goalkeeper first made strikes into wrestling in November 2014 when he was a visitor timekeeper for a WWE Stay Occasion match in Frankfurt.

After confirming his swap to WWE final yr, he spent per week at WWE's Efficiency Middle in Orlando in September after being invited to the power by 14-time world champion, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque. 

  

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