When former Swindon Town star Michael Doughty called time on his footballing career at the age of 28, a rumour mill began to spin like one of his trademark free-kicks.
“Swindon Town can confirm that midfielder Michael Doughty has left the club with immediate effect for personal reasons,” was the official announcement released by the League Two side.
An outpouring of support, a tidal wave of headlines, and an unfortunate gathering of rumours - from dressing room rifts to crippling mental health issues - proceeded what unintentionally became a footballing mystery.
