Retiring from professional football before the age of 30 can be a daunting experience for some and a perfect break from the extreme daily pressures for others.
Lewis McGugan is someone who was forced to quit in 2018 after a succession of injuries and battles with mental health. Following a short spell at Northampton Town, he had unsuccessful trials at St Mirren, Port Vale and Bradford City where he failed to prove his fitness, and decided to end his playing career at just 29.
It all started for McGugan when he came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest, making his debut in 2006 in a League Cup win over Gillingham. He cemented his place in the Reds side, featuring over 150 times in the Championship before signing for Premier League chasing Watford.
