It's hard to envisage any of England or Manchester United's current stars trading their football boots for a postman's uniform, but that's precisely the path former Three Lions player Neil Webb chose when he hung up his boots. Webb enjoyed a successful four-year stint at Old Trafford in the mid-1980s, clinching the FA Cup, two League Cups, and both the UEFA Super Cup and Cup Winners Cup. However, upon retiring from professional football, he embarked on a career trajectory seldom followed by his peers.
Webb holds the unique honour of having played under two legendary managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough. He was even part of Bobby Robson's England squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. After hanging up his boots in 1997, the former midfielder took on the humble role of a postman, earning a modest £220 per week. His new role represented a dramatic departure from his playing days, with Webb boldly stating that you "won't be seeing any footballers from the last ten years doing it".
Nevertheless, Webb boasted a career that any professional would envy, having earned 26 caps for his nation. Webb featured in the squad that progressed to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup. The former United star would likely have remained a cornerstone of Sir Bobby Robson's midfield for years ahead, but Webb's international journey was cut short when he ruptured his Achilles during a match against Sweden.
In a bitter twist of destiny, Webb's injury created an opportunity for an emerging talent called Paul Gascoigne, who seized his chance and established himself as the heart of England's team. Reflecting on how his misfortune launched one of football's most legendary figures, Webb told The Times: "Fair play to Gazza. He always thanks me for getting injured."
Discussing his post-football existence as a postman, Webb disclosed that completing his delivery route took him "ages" due to residents frequently stopping him for conversations about his illustrious playing career. "It took me ages to get round," he explained. "When people found out I was delivering their post, I was invited to come in for coffee and a natter."
Neil Webb played for Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and England (Image: Getty)
It's hard to envisage any of England or Manchester United's current stars trading their football boots for a postman's uniform, but that's precisely the path former Three Lions player Neil Webb chose when he hung up his boots. Webb enjoyed a successful four-year stint at Old Trafford in the mid-1980s, clinching the FA Cup, two League Cups, and both the UEFA Super Cup and Cup Winners Cup. However, upon retiring from professional football, he embarked on a career trajectory seldom followed by his peers.
Webb holds the unique honour of having played under two legendary managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough. He was even part of Bobby Robson's England squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. After hanging up his boots in 1997, the former midfielder took on the humble role of a postman, earning a modest £220 per week. His new role represented a dramatic departure from his playing days, with Webb boldly stating that you "won't be seeing any footballers from the last ten years doing it".
Nevertheless, Webb boasted a career that any professional would envy, having earned 26 caps for his nation. Webb featured in the squad that progressed to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup. The former United star would likely have remained a cornerstone of Sir Bobby Robson's midfield for years ahead, but Webb's international journey was cut short when he ruptured his Achilles during a match against Sweden.
In a bitter twist of destiny, Webb's injury created an opportunity for an emerging talent called Paul Gascoigne, who seized his chance and established himself as the heart of England's team. Reflecting on how his misfortune launched one of football's most legendary figures, Webb told The Times: "Fair play to Gazza. He always thanks me for getting injured."
Discussing his post-football existence as a postman, Webb disclosed that completing his delivery route took him "ages" due to residents frequently stopping him for conversations about his illustrious playing career. "It took me ages to get round," he explained. "When people found out I was delivering their post, I was invited to come in for coffee and a natter."
The 61-year-old former England footballer from Reading, Berkshire, holds the honour of being the 1,000th player to don the England shirt, a milestone he reached in a friendly against West Germany in Dusseldorf back in 1987.
Despite his illustrious career, Webb has openly acknowledged that he was always aware of the need to work post-retirement. Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2023, Webb shared his contentment with life as a delivery driver, though he admitted he finds the current footballers' earnings beyond comprehension. "I can't relate to the incredulous wages players get today," he remarked. "Even £100,000 a week - I can't relate to that.
"I've had numerous jobs over the last few years and at the moment I am a delivery driver. My generation earned good money and you could buy a nice house, a nice car and put your children through private education but it is a different world for today's players, I always knew I would have to work after I played."
Webb's talent caught the eye of Brian Clough, leading to a £250,000 transfer to Nottingham Forest in 1985 following impressive stints at Reading and Portsmouth. Later, Sir Alex Ferguson secured his services for Manchester United in a deal worth £1.5 million in 1989.
Webb made his return to Nottingham Forest in 1992 and stayed until 1996. Following brief spells at Grimsby Town and Aldershot, he hung up his boots in 1997, just short of 500 career appearances and 120 goals.
