Like legendary coasters Stuart Taylor and Richard Wright before him, Rob Green is currently winding down his career at a ‘big six’ Premier League club, providing able back-up as Chelsea’s designated third-choice goalkeeper.
Describing his lot in life to BBC Sport, Green basically set about confirming what Pies already suspected to be true – that being third-choice ‘keeper for a prosperous club is basically the cushiest job that professional football has to offer. Even better if you’re home-grown.
The 39-year-old signed for the Blues last summer after his one-year contract with Huddersfield expired and hasn’t made a single appearance yet.
Still, he mucks in where required, providing capable assistant and advice to both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Cabellero along with anybody else who may require it.
It’s is not something I ever envisaged doing when I set out – thinking ‘oh yeah, I’d love to be a third-choice keeper’ – but your situation changes as your career goes on.
My involvement hasn’t been as much as I would have liked but it was made clear from the start; if everyone remains fit that is the role I have got.
I can’t really complain when that is exactly how it has panned out.
It’s not like Green is shirking his way toward retirement though, as the former England stopper insists that he’s still part of every game.
Physically it is still tough. You are on the pitch every day. It is a seven day week. It is not like I am 21. I am 39 and out there getting peppered again. It is still a demanding role.
I go to all of the meetings, do all of the pre-match, do the warm-up and help in every way you can, whether it is collecting balls, saving shots or crossing balls in.
Then, when the players are ready to come out on to the pitch, you are getting changed and more often than not at away games I find a cup of tea and go and sit in the stand.
Yep, just like Pies envisaged: cushy as f**k.
Green, Taylor, Wright, Lee Grant, Mark Schwarzer; we can only salute you.
The full interview with Green is available to read here.