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Martyn Waghorn explains what he plans to do next after announcing his retirement

Martyn Waghorn explains what he plans to do next after announcing his retirement from playing football earlier this month.

He spoke with James Copley on how it was time to relax, and while doing so, is also working with Radio Derby work, has plans to go into coaching, and reflect on his career as well as feelings after his big announcement.

In a career that has spanned across 17 years, he played for 12 different clubs, made 527 games, scoring 135 goals, and also made appearances for England at U19 and U21 level.

Speaking to Sunderland Echo in a sit down interview, he said: “I’m quite fortunate. My wife’s doing a pupillage at the minute to become a barrister. Currently, I’ve got some time to reflect and plan my next steps. I don’t need to rush into anything.

“I’m a bit of a stay-at-home dad at the minute, playing a bit of golf, a bit of tennis, a bit of paddle. Taking a bit of time, I do eventually want to go into some coaching in some capacity. I’ve done a little bit of commentary for the Radio Derby, so I’ve really enjoyed that.

“I’m in a good position where I can have some time to plan what I want to do and not force anything or be rushed into any decisions. Just take some time to be with the family. To be honest, it’s been a long career. You travel here and there. I’ve played for a lot of clubs. It’s involved a lot of moving around, a lot of stress on the family.

“Just take that time to be there for them for a period of time and enjoy those little moments that go so quick when you’re playing. That you don’t really have time to spend with. Just really appreciate those little fine moments in life. No major rush to jump into anything, but just plugging away and planning some steps as we go along.”

“It was a mixed emotion, to be honest. I had a very long, successful career,” Waghorn said when asked how he was feeling having just made such a big decision.” I think when you take a little bit of time out, which I had before I had my last little stint at Northampton, things start to line up and you put things in place.

“You reflect a little bit on your career. I think once I had that time and I had that time to reflect, it comes from a little bit of sadness to pride. You put a little bit more time into your thought process and look back with great memories. I’m very proud of the career I’ve had and I just wanted to leave that there. I didn’t want to start chasing anything or have any regrets or doubts in my career. This decision, I felt it was the right time for me and my family for the next chapter.”

Writing on social media, he said: “Football… It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve been very fortunate to play for some great clubs in my career and never took that for granted… @cafcofficial @lcfc @hullcity @millwallfc @laticsofficial @rangersfc @ipswichtown @dcfcofficial @coventrycityfcofficial @htafc and @officiallyntfc I am proud to have worn the shirt of every one of these great clubs. Every time I stepped on the pitch all I wanted to do was make my family proud. There has been some amazing memories with friends and family that I will cherish forever.

Thank you to everyone at @sunderlandafc for giving me the opportunity in the game. You believed in me from 7 years old until my debut at 17, thank you all 🙏

To represent my country at various age groups was always an honour and to also score on my England U21 debut was such a proud moment.

Thank you to everyone who has been there and supported me along the way. I would like to mention some great academy coaches, Elliot Dickman, Ged McNamee & Kevin Ball to name a few but also everyone who helped me during my time at the academy. The friends and people I’ve met along the way… it’s been some journey 🥹

My family, thank you. Honestly I don’t know where I would be with you all. Mam and Dad thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me and with me, Starting at Boldon Colts with you Dad, what an amazing journey we’ve been on.

Leoni, Ruben and Enzo. I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have had you by my side in my career. To share amazing memories and moments with you is something I will cherish forever.

I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life & career as a Dad and a husband.
Thank you
Waggy

Twitter users wished Martyn Waghorn all the best as he explains what he plans to do next after announcing his retirement…

@scottneedham88: If he hadn’t have scored that peno v Sheff Wednesday we would have been in a much worse position. 🐏

@theibroxinsider: Thank you for all the memories! Hope we see you in the stands at Ibrox again soon.

@demsmith6198x: Good luck champ from a safc supporter

@iiSteveJonesii: 👋🏼 what a fantastic career – football thanks you too 🩵 #PUSB

@willlin52744521: Ipswich fan here ,well done Waggy, we loved you down here.

@Jasey_B_DCFC: Good luck lad ,and congratulations on a Brilliant career, u done good 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🐑🐑🐑

@Alex_Lipniski: The pen against Sheff W, the part of the side that got us back up, cheers Waggy.

@CovRegis: Thank you Waggerz , a quality player and gentleman. Love Cov ✔️👏💙⚽️

@tenchylad: Best of luck on the next chapter

@frazzlesmummy: Been a pleasure @Mwaghorn_9 🙌 Congratulations on a wonderful career. Wishing you health and happiness in whatever you do 🩵

@martynenglish2: All the very best Waggy, once a Ram🐏🐏

@LouisBooth92: All the best mate, what a career

@NigelBlues: Congratulations on a great career. As a Cardiff fan, I always worried when you played against us, always the sign of a good player. Best Wishes with whatever’s next.

@madsean86: My favourite player through a bleak time of being an Ipswich Town supporter. Thanks for your time with us, all the best and enjoy your next chapter 👊🏼

@Billy169005: All the best Martyn 💙

@jhackett__: Happy retirement Waggy! All the best 🐏

@AndyFr3twell: You might just have saved our club v Sheff Wednesday my man!! Happy retirement 🐏❤️

@barmylad34: Hope you find a good next step to go on to. Thanks for all your efforts at DCFC. Wishing you success in whatever you do now.

@lee_beckett: Congrats Martyn, enjoy spending time more time with the family 🫡 #PUSB

@PunjabiRams: All the best for retirement Waggy. Won’t forget those crucial goals for the 🐏

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