Hanging my gloves up

After 20 incredible years the time has come to call time on my playing career. I am sad and gutted to be hanging up my gloves but excited to be starting a new chapter in my life. I leave my playing days behind me fit and healthy in both body and mind for which I am extremely grateful for. 

Football has given me the opportunity to live out my boyhood dream, from the time I could walk I was in love with the game. I will cherish memories I could never have imagined all those years ago with teammates who have become friends forever.

Everyone has a story to tell with different goals and achievments they wanted from their career. I have only ever wanted to make my family proud and give 100% for every club I've ever represented. I have played with and against many players more talented than myself but I have always tried to get myself an edge and get ahead with my work ethic and determination.

As I have got older I have made a conscious effort to try and guide younger players and help them on and off the pitch. I have offered them advice and guidance from mistakes I have made and steer them on the right path where I often went off. I always wish I could've got more advice from other players but I don't suppose I would have taken much notice as I was too head strong and thought I knew best.

I have been fortunate to have shared changing rooms and pitches with the very best. I am proud to have represented the Republic of Ireland and privileged to have captained many clubs along the way. I respect every player at every level from grass roots to the Premier League. Although maybe worlds apart in life, we are always playing a game we love for our futures, reputation and livelihoods.

 My football journey around the world and gradually down the footballing ladder has allowed me to experience and see so many sides of football some more glamorous than others. The last three years playing in the National League has been tough physically but refreshing at the same time. Clubs at this level have a real sense of solidarity and belonging. Supported by the local community with the help of volunteers and dedicated supporters, Non-League football has a real soul and a sense of normality. I have enjoyed being surrounded by hungry players with no agenda or ego trying to pursue their dream. 

In contrast I look up to and have the greatest respect for the very best players in the country who are admired and idolized by so many. They deserve the financial rewards they get and status they have earned. They carry huge responsibility as role models and have shown great commitment making sacrifices along the way with their talent to get where they are.

The biggest influence early on in my career have always my parents and I owe them so much for the time, money and emotion they invested in me. When things were financially a struggle or getting to games and training was a problem they would always find a way and for that I am so grateful.

I would not have had the success on the pitch without the support and dedication of my wife Natalie. Natalie was with me the day I signed school boy forms for Arsenal aged 16, together for 22 years she has been by my side through the great times and the tough times. My wife has supported me and driven me on to always be the best I could be and always believed I would be successful. My motivations and goals changed from silverware to stability and supporting my four children as my life has moved on. I have been fortunate to have had my children walk out by my side as mascots and watch me from the stands and on the television, moments I will always cherish.

Thank you to my family and friends especially my sisters who have always kept me grounded and been their to support me from day one.

I want to thank every coach and manager I have worked with for their time and patience, without your help and guidance I would not have become the Goalkeeper or person I am today. 

I want to thank the supporters who I have played for, and even those I've played against (I forgive you for the abuse, I enjoyed it in a strange way) I can honestly say I gave everything for the clubs I ever represented and left it all on the pitch.

The PFA have supported me not only during my playing career but also during my coaching pathway in gaining my qualifications and more recently for my educational degree in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting. I am also grateful to all of my glove suppliers over my career who have been generous enough to supply me with gloves and kit.

A massive thank you to my teammates who I have shared so many great memories with on and off the pitch. The battles on the pitch and the laughs we had along the way will never be forgotten and the memories will last forever. 

I am now excited and extremely grateful for being given the opportunity by Watford FC to work for such a fantastic club and develop as a coach. I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge and experience using my coaching skills and personality to help young talented goalkeepers become the best they possibly can. I look forward to working with a team of coaches who have the same ambition and drive as me and contribute to achieving the same goals and success together.

Best of luck to all of my ex-team mates and clubs for the future. 

Stacky x