Rafferty Is At The Ready To Now Saves Lives - Not Shots

But now Andy Rafferty is on the frontline as he swaps his keeper’s mitts for a more important type of glove.

The former Hartlepool, Dover, Darlington and Spennymoor has gone from keeping clean sheets to keeping people alive.

After quitting the game aged 30 to become a paramedic, he is now helping battled the coronavirus pandemic with other NHS heroes.

Rafferty has spoken to The Sun about his experience and why he left football behind at a young age.

“I decided I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be at saving shots — so thought how about saving lives instead?” he told reporter Justin Allen.

“My grandfather and dad worked in the police. But I’m too soft and sensitive to be in the police.

“I get a lot out of it but it gets quite emotional.”

Now a part of the North West Ambulance Service team, he doesn’t regret leaving football behind.

Rafferty said: “It’s been a baptism of fire during the pandemic.

“I had offers but fell out of love with football and my wife Maria was pregnant with our first child.

“I miss the lads but don’t miss playing.”