GARY NEVILLE has a grim warning for thousands of footballers: Learn a new trade now as you might not have a job next year.
The former England and Manchester United star insists the coronavirus pandemic will change football forever.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
Neville has told players to learn a new trade because their jobs might not be there post-coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
He told Sky Sports: “There will be thousands of players out of contract on June 30 and this is not going to be pleasant for players and agents over the next 18 months or so.
“For players and clubs, this is really, really bad on every level. Masses of contracts won’t get renewed based on the fact clubs can’t repay them.
“If I was a player today, I’d be learning online, doing a degree, doing a BTEC, and trying to get a dual-skill.
“That’s not panicking, that’s not suggesting their careers are over, it’s just planning because jobs in football will be less, money will be less.
“And players will need to do a job next year out of football. That’s a fact.
“The smart ones will get their head around it quickly, and will go and do a different skills.”
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Premier League and EFL clubs are looking at a return to training as soon as May 9 — providing the Government lift the lockdown rules — with a targeted completion of England’s top four divisions by July 31.
But Salford City co-owner Neville added: “I want the miraculous to happen, that football returns in June or July.
“But I am very doubtful. An employer cannot put their employees at risk.”
Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has still got it as Class of ’92 stars including Gary Neville take up loo roll challenge
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
