The 2009/10 English football season had barely started when Ipswich Town goalkeeper, Shane Supple, made headlines for his decision to retire from football.
Supple was only 22 years old, and there was no injury involved. Instead, he simply decided that he no longer wanted a career in professional football. These weren’t the actions of someone struggling to make the grade – Supple had represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, and was highly thought of, having recently signed a contract extension. As well as loan spells at Leeds United and Falkirk, other clubs were interested in signing him on a permanent basis.
However, Supple wanted no part of it. Amongst his reasons for quitting the game were frustration with team-mates who “didn’t really care whether we won or lost,” and being uncomfortable with the lifestyle of the modern footballer.
Initially, it was thought Supple would follow his father into the Police in his home country. At the moment he is believed to be studying and is playing Gaelic Football back in Dublin.
Naturally, many people were stunned by Supple’s decision. Fans, and even some players, would have loved to be in his position – playing in the second tier of English football and earning a lucrative salary. However, Supple did receive support from his Manager at Ipswich. Roy Keane’s thoughts are perhaps not surprising, given his own strong opinions on how players conduct themselves, on and off the field.
“He’s an excellent pro and a good kid and while I’m disappointed that he feels football is not for him anymore, I respect and admire him for making what is a brave decision. Sometimes people play sport just because they are good at it and they are not in love with the game and Shane has said that he has fallen out of love with the game over the last year or two.”
While it’s perhaps difficult to accept, people can grow tired of a career in football as easily as they can any other occupation. Whether it is the lifestyle, the media attention, the rejection, or the demands of playing competitive football from a young age, some players decide they’ve had enough.
Former England under-21 defender Curtis Woodhouse gave up the game and turned to a career in boxing. Although he is back playing with Harrogate Town, Woodhouse admits that “boxing has always been my first love.” More recently former Grimsby Town goalkeeper Gary Montgomery signed a professional cricket contract with Lancashire.
While some will question Shane Supple’s sanity, he has to be commended. He could have gone through the motions, training, playing and collecting his wages. Instead, he has been honest enough to admit that he wants to do something else with his life.
Shane Supple has made a brave decision, and hopefully, the one that’s right for him.
Written by William Heaney
I think it’s quite odd that the lad made it and then decided he didn’t want to play – it’s normally people dropping out around the 18/19 mark when they want to go out drinking more etc – this does seem like a rare case and the youngest, non injury related retirement I’ve heard of before!