How do you envisage retirement? Setting off sail into the sunset? Winning the lottery?

For professional athletes that idyllic image can feel far removed and it can be quite a messy process.

And what if it's taken from you overnight?

Gareth Farrelly's life was turned upside down by a serious illness at just 32. Afterwards the former Everton, Aston Villa, Bolton and Ireland international was set down a path all too familiar with those in the footballing world which all made for a inconspicuous exit away from the game several years later.

Being strategic, leveraging lessons learned from challenging times Gareth soon came out the other side. Now Gareth leads a life of purpose in his new identity as a solicitor. Throughout this episode you too will be able to hear the never ending journey of education Gareth is on which permeates through our conversation. It was fascinating and a genuine privilege to hear Gareth's nuanced perspective on the game. Furthermore we discussed;

- A breakdown of the external and internal challenges which footballers face?

- Football as a reflection of society.

- Starting at the bottom of the right ladder.

- The concerted need to think beyond 'low resolution' in footballing circles.

- Why we need to ask ourselves is the view worth the climb?

- The fantastic work of Player 4 Player.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:43 - Early Years

03:44 - 10:52 - The Industry

10:53 - 24:28 - Retirement

24:29 - 27:35 - Law

27:36 - 31:08 - Values

31:09 - 38:49 - Player 4 Player

38:50 - 41:09 - Future

41:10 - 45:07 - Advice

Gareth's Twitter;https://twitter.com/garethfarrelly1?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor