Raith Rovers’ keeper Kevin Cuthbert hopes working as a personal trainer will help prolong his football career.
The former Hamilton, Ayr United, Morton and St Johnstone stopper combines playing for the Kirkcaldy side with helping out his pal Barry Stephen who runs a fitness business in Aberdeen.
Cuthbert, who is 32, has fought his way back from a shoulder operation last season and has established himself as manager Ray McKinnon’s No 1.
He hopes to have many more years between the sticks but admits it will be good to have his personal trainer job to fall back on when he finally hangs up his boots.
He said: “I started that when I went to Ayr after I left Morton as I had to get a job.
“I have kept it going and I try to juggle it with other things.
“I think it’s important especially when you get to my age to make sure you have something when you finish with football.
“I have been lucky enough that I can combine it with playing, but it is not easy at times.
“It is good, though, to have something to fall back on.
“It also helps take your mind off things if you have a bad result. If you have something else to do it can help you switch off before you get back into it.
“I work with my mate who has a successful business up in Aberdeen. I have known him for years and I just give him the hours I am available.
“Hopefully, it will prolong my career.
“Last season the work I did in the gym with Karen Gibson, who was the physio at the time, was something that 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have had any knowledge of.
“Even with things like flexibility and mobility, I am trying to pass that wisdom on to Ross (fellow keeper Laidlaw) as I never had that when I was his age.
“I never had anyone trying to direct me and help me in other aspects of the game.
“I think it is very important.”
As well as Laidlaw, Cuthbert is also in competition with David McGurn for possession of the goalie jersey at Raith.
Cuthbert, who kept his third clean sheet on the bounce at the weekend against Livingston, admitted he knows he cannot afford to let his standards slip at all.
He said: “The manager has given everyone a fresh start which is good for me.
“I was fortunate enough to play in the first game but we have goalkeepers here who could play in any club in the league.
“It is unusual for a team like Raith Rovers to have that.
“When the three of us are all training together, the standard is as good as I have known.
“It is great competition as there are two goalkeepers who aren’t playing.
“I know that they are ready to step in so I will have to do well to keep the jersey for as long as I can.”
Meanwhile, former Newcastle United striker JJ Hooper, who had trials with Raith Rovers and Dunfermline this summer, has joined Port Vale.