Nathan Ferguson?

[mickd1961]

Why deny someone the opportunity to earn life changing money. Why can't people retire at 38 if they have earned enough?

Ultimately, these people perform in front of 40-50 thousand fans inside a stadium with millions of people watching on TV. This is the law of supply and demand. This is why Lewis Hamilton, Federer, Tiger Woods etc. have made so much in their careers. You can't compare ordinary working people to exceptional footballers. And you can't compare footballers from years ago to today's players, the commercial aspect of the game is completely different. Don't blame them for making the most of it.

I completely agree with this.

The difference between a young footballer and the average lad going into employment is that the footballer has a talent that’s been recognised since an early age.

They’ve worked since nice a very young age at that talent and had a dream put in front of them and that dream includes fame and money.

The vast majority of footballers don’t retire at 35+ and sit on their a r s e s for life, a large number stay in football in some capacity. The money they earn in a short career is more of a safety net for most as their next job in the real world is unlikely to pay them what they’ve been used to.

I know a couple of top level ex pro’s, one of whom was retired injured after playing top level football at Stoke City and Coventry City and for England at under 23 level.

He did what a lot of players do and paid big chunks into his PFA Pension which proved to be a great decision being retired so soon.

This enabled him to set up his business and move on in life.

People should understand the level of depression that a lot of these early failed careers cause as well, a whole life time to think about what they were robbed of.

Anyone on here who wouldn’t make a move of company to go from £600 a week to £5000+ a week due to “loyalty” is talking utter b o l l o x.

With the greatest of respect.

[Grand Wazoo]

Why deny someone the opportunity to earn life changing money. Why can't people retire at 38 if they have earned enough?

Ultimately, these people perform in front of 40-50 thousand fans inside a stadium with millions of people watching on TV. This is the law of supply and demand. This is why Lewis Hamilton, Federer, Tiger Woods etc. have made so much in their careers. You can't compare ordinary working people to exceptional footballers. And you can't compare footballers from years ago to today's players, the commercial aspect of the game is completely different. Don't blame them for making the most of it.

we are not talking about exceptional footballers at the very top of the tree. we are talking about players who are bang average expecting to retire before they are 40. Its the sense of entitlement that it is their right to be able to finish working by that age that f*cks me right off.

[baggiematt]

we are not talking about exceptional footballers at the very top of the tree. we are talking about players who are bang average expecting to retire before they are 40. Its the sense of entitlement that it is their right to be able to finish working by that age that f*cks me right off.

I’d retire today if I won the lottery. I don’t see the difference. You’ve got one life and one opportunity.

[WBA123]

we are not talking about exceptional footballers at the very top of the tree. we are talking about players who are bang average expecting to retire before they are 40. Its the sense of entitlement that it is their right to be able to finish working by that age that f*cks me right off.

If you're talking our level, then you're talking about players playing in front of 25k fans each week at home. And anything from 10k-40k away. Playing in probably a top 8 league in Europe in terms of quality.

And the Championship is the 2nd most watched in-person league in Europe behind the Premier League. I read something recently that more fans attended championship matches than La Liga, Serie A or the Bundesliga.

So, even players at our level might not be elite, but they are the next rung down. And the commercial numbers show they will be well paid to reach that level.

[Albionic68]

......... You’ve got one life and one opportunity.

I really ought to consider converting to a religion which believes in reincarnation to avoid further disappointment.

If I did though then knowing my luck Putin would finally get around to pressing that fkn button anyway...... 😤.

[baggiematt]

I really ought to consider converting to a religion which believes in reincarnation to avoid further disappointment.

If I did though then knowing my luck Putin would finally get around to pressing that fkn button anyway...... 😤.

Probably higher odds of coming back as a dung beetle than a professional footballer

[mickd1961]

we are not talking about exceptional footballers at the very top of the tree. we are talking about players who are bang average expecting to retire before they are 40. It’s the sense of entitlement that it is their right to be able to finish working by that age that f*cks me right off.

It’s quite a while since I heard such rubbish on here Waz, quite an achievement, great effort.

If you think anyone that has played Championship and below is retired at 35 and tending their allotment I’d love to know who they are?

Mate, you’re talking b o l l o x, if someone offered you the chance to earn 10 or 20 times what you earn at ANY age you would move.

It’s no different for them.

[Albionic68]

Probably higher odds of coming back as a dung beetle than a professional footballer

Spent more than enough time pushing s hit uphill for one life never mind two thank you very much 😊 😉.

[Grand Wazoo]

It’s quite a while since I heard such rubbish on here Waz, quite an achievement, great effort.

If you think anyone that has played Championship and below is retired at 35 and tending their allotment I’d love to know who they are?

Mate, you’re talking b o l l o x, if someone offered you the chance to earn 10 or 20 times what you earn at ANY age you would move.

It’s no different for them.

Sorry but it must be the age I am. To be able swan around for the rest of your life because you spend 10+ years kicking a bloody football around I find totally obscene.

[boingy]

Your memory must be terrible Boingy. Here's a reminder. He came through the youth system having made the vast majority of his appearances at centre half.

His first team league debut came as a right back away to Nottingham Forest when Matt Phillips banged in a late winner. I was there and had the pleasure of meeting Romaine Sawyers' mom.

Nathan Ferguson was awarded Player of the Match after being chosen ahead of then new signing Darnell Furlong by then new manager Slaven Bilic.

Shortly after this Conor Townsend got injured and Nathan switched to left back, where as a right footed centre half he then kept left footed left back Conor Townsend out of the side when he returned to fitness.

In the meantime Dara O'Shea, another predominantly right footed centre half from the academy, got the nod over Darnell Furlong at right back. From memory Darnell made 23 starts that season. 22 at right back and 1 at left back.

Whatever. 🙄