In an interview, former Manchester United defender Lee Roche recalled his unique experience of playing for Manchester United, retiring at the age of 27, and finally making a living on a construction site. You were a member of Manchester United's...
In an interview, former Manchester United defender Lee Roche recalled his unique experience of playing for Manchester United, retiring at the age of 27, and finally making a living on a construction site.
You were a member of Manchester United's championship team under Ferguson and even played in the Champions League. Looking back on that time now, do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets. The only thing I would point out is that I had a reputation for being quiet at Manchester United, so maybe I should have been more confident and involved more with the lads. I used to go straight home after training and hang out with my own circle of friends. I think back now about teammates like John (O'Shea) and Fletcher and think I should be more like them and go out and socialize more. I think that would be more popular at Manchester United.
Why did you ultimately choose to leave Manchester United?
I couldn't see a clear path to the first team and I had reached a stage where I had to play competitive football every week. Sir Alex Ferguson walked off the pitch with me one day after training and told me he was ready for me to go to Watford but I wanted to stay up north. Stan Tennant wanted to take me to Burnley so I signed for them. Sir Alex Ferguson said that if I can prove myself after leaving, I can come back at any time.
You left professional football at the age of 27. What happened then?
I had lost my love for football. I came home and didn’t even want to watch football on TV. I went to Royal Antwerp for a trial and the manager there was Warren Joyce, who had coached me at Manchester United. I trained with the team for two weeks but the guy I was supposed to replace didn't leave so the transfer didn't happen. Then Dave Pace from Droylsden contacted me, so I stayed there for a few years.
After retiring, your life trajectory has changed a lot, from Old Trafford to the construction site.
I did meet some workers on the construction site who asked me about Manchester United and how I ended up here. It can be annoying at times, so I don't go around shouting that I played for Manchester United.
Do you have any advice for today’s young players?
I do think today's young players should be required to learn a trade or something so they can understand the real world. Most of them probably don't have a backup plan in case they don't make it to the pros.
