END OF AN ERA THANK YOU ALL!
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 as head of academy goalkeeping at Watford. 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 achievements 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. I would not have had the success on the pitch without the support and dedication of my wife Natalie. She 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 and driven me on to always be the best I could be. 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 there 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 represented and left it all on the pitch.