FOREVER YOUNG
In the good old days when pitches consisted purely of mud, shorts were short and facial hair on footballers was ubiquitous, players had to eke out every single second of a career. Each new contract got thirtysomethings a step closer to becoming a pub landlord, every penny mattering in an era where players were not made for life. Medical support and fitness routines were not what they could have been; making it into your fifth decade as a professional was quite difficult with a barrelled chest and self-healing injuries. Often it was only the goalkeepers able to reach their 40s with the hope of carrying on, as John Burridge and Kevin Poole will tell you.
