Stuart Tomlinson retired from football in July 2013 and then embarked on a very unique career change and one that surely has never been done before.
In July 2013 he retired from football because of scar tissue damage and a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament meaning that his left knee was in poor shape and he was advised to retire by surgeons. After injuries it can be tough for footballers and the man that was nicknamed ‘The Tank’ decided to go for something new and in December 2013 he travelled to America to sign a developmental contract with the WWE and become a wrestler.
This is something that he probably didn’t expect to happen when he graduated through Crewe Alexandra’s famous youth team. His football career was good and he was a talented keeper which began on the 25th January 2003 when he came on as a substitute for Danny Milosevic in a 3-1 win over Oldham Athletic. At the end of the season he signed his first professional contract and the club were promoted to the First Division so it was a very good start for him personally.
After a few more substitute appearances it was in January 2006 when he finally made his first start against Preston North End in an FA Cup Third Round game which they went on to win 2-1. Tomlinson then got his first start in the league in a 4-2 win over Millwall in April. But it was not until the 2008-09 season that he finally got a decent run in the first team. On the 25th November he was given a start away to Leicester City which they won 2-1 and then played six games over the next month and kept four clean sheets. However his performances were not good enough to convince new manager Gudjon Thordarson to give him a new contract and he left the club.
He dropped out of the Football League to join Barrow even though there were clubs interested in him that were playing in higher divisions. But it gave him the opportunity to play first team football and also win a trophy at Wembley as they won the FA Trophy. In total he played 27 times in his one season at the club but he chose not extend his contract.
Tomlinson signed for Port Vale and manager Micky Adams was very pleased with his new signing. “Signing Stuart means we have real competition for the number one jersey. He is a good shot stopper and is a physically imposing keeper. He’s a good age too, and has time on his side.” Tomlinson started the season in fantastic form keeping five clean sheets in the first 10 games and was linked with moves away from the club because of his good form.
After playing 81 times over two seasons he decided once again to not sign a new contract with Port Vale and joined Burton Albion. He kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win over Rochdale. Unfortunately he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for several months and this was the start of his injury problems that would eventually lead to his retirement.
The final word can go to his last manager Gary Rowett who when saying this probably didn’t expect him to go on to be a wrestler. “His retirement is naturally sad news, however I have no doubt that he will succeed in whatever he decides to do next and we wish him all the very best.”
Footballers on this day 