Gavin’s Got The Write Idea

Think about your next career step now not later, says Gavin Strachan

As an up and coming pro, Gavin Strachan made plenty of headlines as the son of a very famous footballer. No introduction needed.

Now, having completed his media studies masters degree at Stafford University, he hopes to be filling plenty of column inches - and web pages - once again, but this time as a football writer.

During his playing career, which began at Dad Gordon’s former club Coventry, he has certainly seen most parts of the country, and beyond, which is why he describes himself as the stereotypical journeyman.

Dundee and Motherwell in Scotland have been among his many ports of call, which have included Hartlepool and Stockport in the north; Southend in the south and Peterborough and Notts County smack bang in the middle.

He left Notts after two injury-interrupted years in the summer and has been playing on the nonleague circuit with Corby Town while he awaits a call and a contract with a professional club.

At just 30, he’s not given up the ghost yet, but such is the uncertainty for virtually every professional footballer in the lower leagues, Gavin saw sense and decided to plan ahead and prepare for an alternative career should he face a worst case scenario.

With three young children and a doting wife to provide for he was leaving nothing to chance and when he heard about the PFA’s journalism course at Stafford, he was straight on the phone and straight into the classroom.

He recalls: I was watching a TV programme - The Championship I think it was - and the media course was mentioned. So I immediately called Lawrie Madden and signed up.

Funnily enough, when I was at school I went on work experience at a local newspaper and really enjoyed it. I’ve had an interest in the media ever since, and this seemed the logical step.

During the two-year course, Gavin says he enjoyed all aspects of the media world - including TV and radio - but sees a possible career in writing as the most likely way forward for him.

As part of his studies, Gavin wrote a blog on the BBC website, and has also contributed to several other football publications, He says of the course: It was really interesting and a great experience, although it was a bit strange going back into a classroom environment again after all this time.

The course was really well run and constructed and the facilities - the TV and radio studios etc were excellent. I only finished the course recently, so I’m not really sure what opportunities are out there, but it’s good to know I have a degree to my name.

The fact that you can study for a full time degree within the space of just two years was a bonus, and I would encourage any player - of any age - to think about this, and the many other courses the PFA can provide.

I know it’s not going to be easy to find work and whilst some players can use their name and career CV to open a few doors, I know I am going to have to do it the hard way. But I’m prepared for that.

Yet Gavin is not content with having just this one extra string to his bow. He’s establishing his own soccer school, and also taking his coaching badges in case the call to stay at the sharp end of the game becomes too strong. Just like Dad.

He says: I think it’s important to have as many irons in the fire as possible, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m not sure if I want to coach at league level, because I think I would get more of a buzz out of coaching youngsters and watching them develop.

It can be a bit daunting, as a player, when you are coming towards the end of your career, and it’s so vital to plan as far ahead as possible. More and more players are doing that and I think the penny has dropped.

The game has given me a wonderful living and, despite the ups and downs - and all the travelling around - I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’m obviously keen to remain involved in football in some capacity, and I’ve not given up hope of playing for a few more years at professional level as I think I’ve still got something to offer, but it’s getting more and more difficult to get a club in the lower divisions these days.

Either way, Gavin has wisely given himself plenty of options and his message to all PFA members is don’t leave it too late.

Published 09/03/2010 | Ref:

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