Thread: Football Players Longevity

Some interesting discussions going on various forums about player retention and viability of older players in particular.
As recently as only 10 years ago, many players were considered past it if they extended their playing career into their 30s. Some dropping down a division or taking player coach roles at the same or new clubs.
Has the advent of diet and better quality of training methods extended players days on the pitch at top level?
Goalkeepers have always been an exception, but surely they will have benefitted too?
Any thoughts?

Of course.

Wenger was one of the first in England. He got the likes of Adams playing longer than expected.

Read about when he just took over and came into the hotel and had them all doing new types of odd stretches.

He did a good job of explaining that the PL is about to explode in money, and getting 2 or 3 extra seasons in the late 90's could make them more money they've already got. Quite a good motivator, I suppose.


Ronaldo says he'll play at the top level until he's 40, and may well be correct.


Though he's half-cyborg.

The recent (OTT; imo) rules on fouling and general football shithousery will prolong the careers of many players, i would imagine.

^Ronaldo never played against proper defenders like Ron "Chopper" Harris; Claudio Gentile; or 'over the top' artistes like Johnny Giles, etc.

The first thing Wenger did was close the players bar and wean the squad off alcohol (well the English ones).

The players with mainly pace to their game, ie Michael Owen seem to fade first, although Defoe is still going.

Originally Posted by Switch

Has the advent of diet and better quality of training methods extended players days on the pitch at top level?

Stanley Matthews?

If you wish to, I think everything's in place to go on close to 40 (and even beyond these days) at a competitive level for many.

The question has gotta be motivation though. When your wallet's even fatter than Dills, do you love the game enough to want to continue?

Was only reading this the other day:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/...nal-goalscorer

50 for Cureton?

Originally Posted by Dillinger

The players with mainly pace to their game, ie Michael Owen seem to fade first, although Defoe is still going.

Michael Owen was plagued by muscle and hammy problems which were congenital - his father and brother had the same.

Originally Posted by hallelujah

If you wish to, I think everything's in place to go on close to 40 (and even beyond these days) at a competitive level for many.

The question has gotta be motivation though. When your wallet's even fatter than Dills, do you love the game enough to want to continue?

Was only reading this the other day:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/...nal-goalscorer

50 for Cureton?

Not sure about 50 but this bit is quite telling.

​Even Cureton does not know the answer to the million dollar question. “I don’t know how I’m still doing it. I’m very conscious of my food, diet, recovery and just looking after my body. But I think the biggest thing is my drive, my hunger to still play. I suppose I don’t ever want to quit. I love playing so much, and that’s why I keep pushing myself so hard to keep playing.

Originally Posted by Switch

​Even Cureton

Cureton, these days the co-manager at Bishop’s Stortford, scored twice in the Isthmian League Premier Division match.


Playing for Bishop's Stortford in the Isthmian League. Hardly top level, is it.


Didn't 3 of Brazil's WC winning team suddenly join some non-league team when in their 50's 15 years ago?

Don't most footballers retire from severe cuticle injuries or something like that? Split ends maybe?