By Chris Wright
After taking stock of his career and assessing his options, Torquay United goalkeeper Jordan Seabright has taken the decision to quit football in order to take a job as a used car salesman in his home town on Poole.
The 20-year-old ‘keeper has made just six Conference appearances for the Gulls since joining from Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer.
“If I’m honest, I fell out of love with the game, I didn’t really enjoy it any more,” Seabright told BBC Sport.
“I didn’t see myself going anywhere and I want to have a career and be successful.”
“It wasn’t a lack of ambition in football, but it was a good opportunity for me come home and work in a good environment.”
Seabright, who began his career at Poole Town before being taken on trial by Bournemouth in 2011, has confessed that he just doesn’t think he possesses the necessary talent to carve out a lucrative enough career for himself in the lower leagues.
As such he decided, after much soul searching, to bring a premature end to his playing days.
“I have to think about myself, I want to be successful and I didn’t see myself doing that in football,” he continued.
“I didn’t see myself being a Championship ‘keeper or Premier League goalkeeper or League One to be honest.
“It wasn’t a lack of confidence, I was being realistic. I didn’t really enjoy it so I thought now was the right time, I had to be honest with Torquay.”
Such are the perils of the non/lower leagues. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for players at that end of the spectrum to pay their way.
Refreshingly candid stuff from Seabright, too.
Best of luck to the lad.