Sometimes soccer players fade away in obscurity when they say goodbye to the game early. Many of those live an anonymous life, while others choose different career paths. What if a former pro soccer player from the Manchester United academy who played alongside David Beckham retires at 27 and becomes a plumber?

Today we bring you the story of one such soccer star who almost faded in anonymity but got his livelihood from another source. Moreover, PFA helped him throughout his retirement to set up his business. He is now a qualified plumber and a cavity wall remover.

A gripping story of Lee Roche, who played with David Beckham

Lee Roche, a Bolton native, started his soccer journey in 1997 in the Manchester United youth setup. United promoted him to the first team in 1999, and stayed with the club till 2003. The United prodigy was fortunate enough to share the dressing room with the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, amongst others.

Roche made only three appearances for United before they released him in 2003. He got a chance to make his UEFA Champions League debut in 2003 against the Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, the last game of his Old Trafford career. After leaving United in 2003, it took just four years for Roche to lose his passion for the game and retire from professional soccer. 

He lacked hunger and interest in soccer. His move to the Belgian side Royal Antwerp failed. And he left professional soccer. He did play non-league soccer after retirement. Meanwhile, five years later, the former defender was spotted working on the building site. He was making his living by working on sites. However, PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) helped Roche after retirement to retrain him for a life out of a game. 

Thanks to the PFA’s Making The Transition workshop, he has his own business now. He works as a qualified plumber and owns a cavity wall removal business.

Roche’s career beyond Manchester United

Lee Roche played for two soccer clubs apart from the United. He had two stints with the world’s third-oldest soccer club, Wrexham AFC. The former defender played for a 2000-2001 season on loan with Red Dragons. He was an integral part of the team, making 41 league appearances. He next played for Wrexham for two seasons (2005-2007). 

READ MORE: “Rest in Peace. Such Sad News” – David Beckham Joins Soccer Fraternity in Mourning Saddening Loss of Manchester United Legend

The second spell didn’t go well. Welsh club released the player who retired from pro soccer after failed move to Belgium. Before his second stint at Wrexham, Roche also played for Burnley for two seasons. It wasn’t as expected, as the coach played him out of position for the majority part at Turf Moor. He wasn’t comfortable and decided to move on.  

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Let us know your thoughts on the story of Lee Roche, who once was mistaken by a United fan for Nicky Butt. Do you think soccer players should be ready with career options if their soccer journey ends prematurely?