Former Middlesbrough midfielder Richard Kell is now a Jet2 pilot after horrific luck with injury ended his football career.
The 39-year-old has turned his life around and explained how he’s adapted to a new role flying planes – in a surprise career move that happened almost by accident.
“I had just recovered from my first broken leg and felt I was struggling to get back to full fitness at Scunthorpe,” Kell reveals.
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“I was on a month to month contract and whilst waiting in the airport for a pre-season tour to Ireland I got talking to a pilot who was sat next to me.
“On my return I went to my nearest airport (Humberside) to make my initial enquiries.
“I had completed about 10-15 hours training, however my fitness returned, I signed a new contract and my pilots training was put on the ‘back burner’ for a time.
“Fortunately I was able to keep returning to my training at different times in my playing career.”
Injuries can truly be a nightmare for players, but credit to Kell for making the most of it and building a fine new life for himself!