Hanging up my boots triggers mixed emotions
It hasn't been the greatest week for thirty something right-backs...
and a similar decision made by another reasonable one!
I made my decision after listening to the appropriate advice regarding my injury and realising that my knee was no longer able to cope with the demands of full-time professional football.
I've always thought that early retirement sounded fantastic and brought with it lazy days and extended holidays as you enjoyed the fruits of your labour.
However, when the term is applied to your football career it's fair to say that you experience a wide range of emotions as you come to terms with the thought of not doing what you've known best for the vast majority of your adult life.
I must confess that I've not been as downbeat as perhaps people would expect.
Jack Ross wants to remain in football in some capacity after hanging up his boots
Once I'd reached my decision - probably the most difficult part - I have taken a rather pragmatic view on my situation.
If I'm being completely honest, I didn't achieve what I wanted to when I was striving to be a professional player.
My ambition, like many youngsters, was: to play for the top teams, to win league titles and cups on a regular basis and to have the honour of representing my country at Hampden and at major tournaments.
However, only very few players attain these goals and on reflection I take pride in my career achievements and leave the playing side of the game with very fond memories.
There is a further factor to consider when not choosing to wallow in self pity, and that is the longevity of my career has been good.
Having to make a choice to retire at 34 is not the same as reaching a similar decision at 24, and therefore those players who are forced to leave the game - and there are many of them - at a relatively young age deserve far greater sympathy.
and Dundee United's have suffered the frustration of not being able to enjoy the career they should have because of injury. I'm sure there are countless others that fans of other clubs could identify.
Although I am looking at my situation in the most positive manner, it does not dilute the fact of how much I will miss playing.
For me, the feeling of nerves and anticipation as you stand in a tunnel waiting to take to the pitch and the noise that hits you as you emerge on to it is one which I know will be difficult to replicate.
Similarly, the adrenaline rush from your team scoring and winning games and the sense of satisfaction mixed with exhaustion as you sit in the dressing room after a victory are wonderful emotions that I'll undoubtedly long for.
I'm hopeful that my future lies within football in some respect; after all it is where my passion and abilities lie and where I believe I have a lot to offer.
My blog this week has perhaps been a little more selfish than normal but I felt it was worthwhile to convey the emotions of deciding to stop playing football.
And I hope that I'm able to continue to share my opinions and views on our game in the future.
Gary Neville and Jack Ross sharing a moment in their respective careers: never thought I would see the day!
I was released as a teenager from the Scottish Premier League, had the hardening experiences of junior and part-time football and came back to the top flight with four years at university thrown in! I'm Jack Ross, a defender with Dunfermline and I aim to give you an insight into the life and mind of a professional footballer.
Comment number 1.
At 7th Feb 2011, Will Lyon wrote:Good luck for the future Jack, you come across very well on your blog and the radio. Shame your time at Dunfermline was cut short as you could have been an important player for them in their promotion push.
Keep up your good work with the blog, it's always a great read!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 7th Feb 2011, frisnit wrote:Best of luck for the future Jack. Your blog is always insightful and good to read, so hopefully your retirement won't change you being able to write it - it's not as if there will be nothing worth blogging about.
Unless you're pining for a coaching or management job to stay in football, you should definitely keep up the football analysis work. You're always honest, and are somewhat more comfortable with English language than most players (or ex-players).
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 7th Feb 2011, DURO_MARMADUKE wrote:Shame Jack, As a Pars Fan was looking forward to seeing you in the Black and White. Always was impressed when I saw you against us.
Whats next Coaching or Pundit? I hear Sky are looking for someone so hopefully your stint on Sportscene yesterday will stand you good stead. lol.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 7th Feb 2011, Iain Jack wrote:Jack,
Sorry to hear you news but you are making the right choice.
I too gave my knees a fait bit of punishment in my younger days. Skiing & mountaineering in my case, took its toll and I eventually had to have a knee op. I went back to it too soon and it packed in again.
A friend’s father, a doctor, told me that in some instances the complexity of the knee joint can result in trauma that lasts years and that I was expecting too much.
After going stir crazy as a couch potato for about 5 or 6 years I began a slow build up and over two years eventually got back to a good level of fitness. Now I get into the mountains at every opportunity and I’m still going strong in my fifties.
My knees would never take the punishment they used to get now and I am obsessive about looking after them.
You might not get back to football again and you may not get the same adrenaline rush but give you knee a good few years, keep a good level of fitness and you can still be a lot more fit and active than most.
All the best.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 7th Feb 2011, grob14580 wrote:Jack,
Enjoy retirement allbeit an early one.
At least you heeded medical advice, I ignored it and carried on playing, outcome to that was a Knee Replacement when I was 43! Not good....
Good luck with your coaching and maybe we will see you managing one of the "Big Clubs" North or South of the border.
Keep the blog going and keep us all up to date with your after football life........
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 7th Feb 2011, The Duke wrote:Shame you had to retire, Jack. I didn't realise it was due to injury otherwise my comment would've been to say that it's far too premature.
Whilst you'll still have been paid very favourably during your career, I'd imagine it's a tad more daunting to retire when you haven't earned the huge money of the top English sides that sets you up for life.
I'm also surprised you don't follow the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖs lead with most of their journos etc having twitter accounts. Especially if looking to continue with media work...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 8th Feb 2011, Mehmetinho wrote:Firstly Jack, thanks for the great performances you had in a St Mirren shirt, your first season here was different class and you were the best right back we had in several years, best right back in the country at the time in my opinion. I'm sure you'll be proud to play for the Scotland B team although I think you deserved a full cap.
Shame you've had to retire but who knows, maybe you'll be back again in the 2022-2023 season like Andy Millen is doing.
All the best to you in whatever you do in the future.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 8th Feb 2011, Jack Ross - ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport wrote:Thank you for your comments. The messages of goodwill are very kind and much appreciated.
Duro-Marmaduke, with regards to Dunfermline, I am obviously hugely disappointed that I was not able to contribute in a playing sense and to help Jim McIntyre, Gerry McCabe and the players in their quest for promotion. I was able to watch the manager more closely than normal because of my injury and I was really impressed by Jim's abilities. His man management is excellent and will hopefully be rewarded by promotion.
The Duke, I will be more than happy to share my views via twitter if I am asked to do so!
Mehmetinho, there is every chance Andy will still playing in that season! Loved my time at St Mirren and enjoyed being part of a great dressing room-the support I received from the Saints fans was tremendous and undoubtedly helped me gain my B Cap.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 9th Feb 2011, WATSORB wrote:Hi Jack,
Was really sorry to hear you'd hung up the boots. At St. Mirren, you were one of the best right backs I'd seen with us and some cracking strikes, including the one at Tannadice that netted me £40, lol.
Obviously your injury started to hamper things for you but in your time with Saints you were one of my favourite players & I wish you all success in the future.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)
Comment number 10.
At 9th Feb 2011, elvishasleftthebuilding wrote:good luck for the future jack,i will never forget that goal you scored against dunfermline at east end park,that famous cross come shot which almost burst the net.
from a falkirk fan
Complain about this comment (Comment number 10)
Comment number 11.
At 9th Feb 2011, el diablo wrote:Jack you leave the playing side of the game having contributed in a positive way and having left your mark. you certainly responded to playing with "better" players at St Mirren and no doubt inspired your team mates to up their game too. wish you all the best with whatever comes next, and we really do need more good coaches in scottish football that have played the game in scotland.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 11)
Comment number 12.
At 10th Feb 2011, footballforever wrote:Hope your retirement goes well Jack. I've read your blogs before but didn't realise until today when I read your profile of the various experiences you've had in football. Just thought I would comment as I have had similar experiences with a premier league club, senior, juniors, and uni both in Scotland and USA. I never quite made it to the level you managed with a regular position at a top level team. Will use the age old injury excuse for that! Anyway, 31 now so hopefully I've got at least another 3 or 4 years to enjoy playing but will be interested to read your future blogs to see how things go now you've decided to hang up the boots. All the best with whatever you decide to do. Cheers.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 12)
Comment number 13.
At 10th Feb 2011, cammeag1965 wrote:dear jack
commisserations on your forced retirement. noticed a few giving their opinion as to what to do....how do you feel about refereeing? the moneys good and we need ex-pros to do this i feel, especially under the current climate. is it something you would consider, or do ex pros feel it is a lettle demeaning? be interesting to get your views
Dave
Complain about this comment (Comment number 13)
Comment number 14.
At 11th Feb 2011, barryffc wrote:All the best Jack for the future.
Your goal at East End park against the Pars will live long in the memory especially the celebration running towards the Falkirk fans.
You leaving Falkirk for me was up there with Duffy, Lapaty and Stokes leaving!
You always gave your best and showed true commitment, no fan can ask for more than that!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 14)
Comment number 15.
At 11th Feb 2011, Jack Ross - ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport wrote:Thank you again for the further comments re my retirement.
footballforever, I hope you enjoy the playing years you have ahead of you!
cammeag 1965, it is an interesting point re former players becoming referees and perhaps even something to cover in a future blog. I know it is something the SFA would be keen to see more of and I am sure it would be for the benefit of the game. If I am being totally honest, I would not like to referee-I think I have always appreciated how hard a job it is and always had a great deal of respect for those who choose to take the job on.
barryffc and elvishasleftthebuilding, I actually have a picture of my celebrations from scoring that goal in my house-good memories!!
WATSORB, if the goal at Falkirk was slightly fortunate, the one at Tannadice was at least meant although one journalist did ask me after the game if it was a cross!!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 15)
Comment number 16.
At 11th Feb 2011, Percules wrote:All the best, Mr Ross, and your article was not selfish; as you drew attention to those who were cut off in their prime. Two lads who played in my primary school team trained with Dunfermline as youth players, and both were forced to call time before their careers even started - a hole in the heart and a damaged spleen making it simply too dangerous for them.
And Ryan Hegarty, nephew of Paul, who will be 34 like you and me; who ran me ragged down the right flank playing for Foxcovert Primary, and whose career I always followed with a jealous eye; was forced to retire from Livingston aged 22 in 1998 with spinal problems. There was absolutely no pleasure in seeing a former rival's career cut tragically short, and I can only hope he has found a new path easily.
You are right to take heart in the fact that you lived the dream that so few young lads get to follow, but also that in your eloquent and thoughtful sports writing, you have life after football ready-made. Best of luck, sir!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 16)
Comment number 17.
At 12th Feb 2011, Brock wrote:Hi Jack , Sorry to hear you are retiring from the game, i enjoyed watching you when you played for Falkirk and regarded you as one of our best players. Just wanted to wish you all the best for the future and hope you can carry on in football in some capacity.(hope Elvis calls).
Complain about this comment (Comment number 17)