Paul Woolston may be set for new role after ‘tragic’ Man United announcement – expert
Man United goalkeeper Paul Woolston may take up another role in football after being forced to end his playing career aged just 23.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
United announced last Wednesday (23 March) that Woolston has hung up his gloves due to complications arising from a long-running hip injury.
The former Newcastle United stopper had two extensive surgeries but was unable to fully recover despite a lengthy rehab period.
He did not make a first-team appearance during his time at Old Trafford but was a regular for the under-23s prior to injury.
Dinnery assessed the North Shields-born youngster’s options after the “tragic” end to his playing career.
“It’s a tragedy when anyone is forced to retire,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“He had a really bright future ahead of him. He’d represented England at youth level and was regularly involved in first-team training.
“The club have done the right thing by extending his deal by that year. Only he will now know his next steps.
“It’s possible he will take a step away from the game and collect his thoughts.
“This was not a decision which was made overnight. It’s probably been swirling around in his head for months.
“He’ll have spoken to specialists, consultants. He might not have taken the decision for the here and now but rather because of long-term concerns.
“Because we don’t know the precise nature, that might limit what his choices could be down the line.
“But I’m sure he has a nice little black book of contacts. The fact that he has been and United will open a lot of doors.
“So I’m sure there are potential opportunities for him off the pitch should he choose to remain in football.”
United extended Woolston’s contract while he completed his recovery in-house.
Fellow goalkeepers David De Gea and Dea Gea led tributes to the youngster in the days after his retirement was announced.
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