Former Rotherham United player hangs up his boots
A ROTHERHAM United old boy has called time on a career in football spanning 15 seasons.
Forward Duncan Watmore joined the Millers in the January transfer window and made 13 appearances in the campaign that ended in League One relegation.
He parted company with the club at the close of last season and has now hung up his boots to take up a new challenge.
The 32-year-old, who has two university degrees, has accepted a senior role with Manchester-based PEAK4, a company that brings the principles of elite sport into business, leadership and workforce well-being.
He said: “After a great deal of reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to retire from professional football and begin the next chapter of my career.
“Football has given me more than I could ever have imagined. I want to sincerely thank every club I've ever played for, my agent, and every manager, coach, physio, doctor, sports scientist, analyst, member of staff, teammate and supporter who has played a part in my journey.”
Watmore played in the Premier League and went on to spend many seasons in the Championship with Middlesbrough and Millwall, but injuries prevented him from achieving even more in the game.
In all, the gifted playmaker made 289 appearances, scoring 42 goals.
He arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium as a free agent after a year out of action following hip surgery. His last moments on a pitch came on April 11 when he was a 58th-minute substitute during a 3-1 home loss to Barnsley and he ended the campaign in the treatment room with an issue in the same area of his body.
He said: “There have been amazing moments and difficult setbacks, and the injuries I experienced taught me resilience, perspective and discipline. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for their constant support throughout every high and low.
“I am now genuinely excited to begin a new chapter with PEAK4 as head of elite performance and business development. PEAK4's mission is something I strongly believe in, and I look forward to helping build something meaningful.”
Watmore holds a First-class Honours degree in economics and business management from Newcastle University and a Masters with Distinction in international business leadership and management from the University of York.