After a career spanning 700 appearances, former Port Vale and Scunthorpe goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite has decided to hang up his gloves at the end of the season. Now playing for Gateshead and coaching at Lincon City, Musselwhite spoke to Tom Snee about his 20 years in football
Leaving home was the hardest thing I have ever done. Portsmouth were my hometown club and I had been there since I was thirteen. To be told by the club you love that they don’t want you anymore; there can’t be many worse feelings in football.
Finding your level is important. When I left Pompey, we had just had a season in the top-flight. Even though I was only on the bench for them, the old First Division was very different to playing in the old Third Division. I found my level in the mid-nineties when I had six seasons with Port Vale in what is now the Championship - I felt comfortable with that standard.
Playing abroad is something I regret not doing. I had offers in 1996 and 2000 to play overseas, but I didn’t take them. The first one was after I was named in the Football League Team of the Season - Las Palmas were in touch and I even flew to the Canary Islands to have a chat with them. But something just wasn’t right, so I stayed put. Hibernians of Malta offered me a trial after I left Vale in 2000, but I had a young family and had settled in Lincolnshire. Otherwise I could be Gary Neville’s next door neighbour!
Always follow your heart. People say you should never fall in love with a club - I was lucky enough to do it twice! I rejoined Scunthorpe in 2004 and we won promotion, which is probably the highlight of my career.
You are a long time retired. I was forty last Christmas, and I think that that is long enough. Time catches up with everyone, and I have to build up my coaching career. I have had a great career with lots of highs and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Paul Musselwhite was in conversation with Tom Snee
Abridged from Sticky Wicket
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