(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
Young Colchester United goalkeeper James Bransgrove, 21, has quit football to focus on a career in business.
The shot-stopper, who made his debut for against Rochdale in the final match of the 2014-15 season, has made just two appearances for the League Two side.
He told the official club website: “It’s a big decision, and I’ve thought about it long and hard with family and friends, but it feels right.
“I’ve been doing a part-time Business Management degree with the Open University over the past 18 months and it’s been going better than expected.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve always had a passion for the accountancy side of business, so I think now is the right time to make that call.”
Bransgrove joined the U’s from Brentford, and has had spells on loan at Bishop’s Stortford and Wealdstone, while also earning call-ups to the under-18 and under-21 Scotland sides.
And although the youngster realises he is turning his back on a career many crave, Bransgrove said: “I know that almost every boy would want to be a professional footballer, but I’ve always been a footballer because I’ve been lucky enough to have had that talent.
“Truthfully, I’ve not just felt that desire to play and that was a big part of it as well. If I don’t eat and sleep football, I won’t get too much further in game and that was the tipping point in the decision.
