WHICH WAY: Darren Bent reveals the difficulties players face in retirement

Former Tottenham Hotspur star, Darren Bent delved into the limbo footballer’s face after retirement and the mental and financial effect of losing their spot in the game. Bent has found his haven as a radio host for Talksport and discussed with us how retirement sprung up on him.

“I didn’t know my last season would be my last, I got injured in the preseason and didn’t come back till December,” said Bent.

“By the end of the season, I knew I wasn’t coming back, when it’s taken away from you like it was for me, that’s when it becomes tough.”

Footballers’ careers are relatively short with players typically hitting their earning peak in their mid to late 20s. Whilst footballers earn an absurd amount of money – something that is warranted given their immense commercial value, research tells us that 40% of players face bankruptcy only 12 years after they hang up their boots. We asked Bent whether there’s enough in place to assist retiring players.

“No, there’s not enough help for footballers.”

He continued assertively, “People think you shouldn’t be having problems, look how much wealth you got, that’s fair, but not every player that plays the game is going to be at the top level.”

The average wage of a premier league footballer is £50,000 per week, dropping considerably to £4,000 per week in the Championship and £2000 in League 1. Whilst these seem like good salaries contextually, they are earned over a potential span of 12-20 years whilst most are living out exuberant lifestyles. It is necessary that footballers are given financial advice and aid by their clubs both during and after their playing careers – Bent looked at a similar initiative put in place by Crystal Palace to assist younger players dropped from their academy with monetary aid and welfare support over 3 years.

“Football clubs are quick to use players when they need them, and they are then on to the next. Every club should be doing an aftercare programme for players, the new Palace initiative should be at every club up and down the country.”

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