RATHER than sitting on a beach during the long hot summer, a Bolton Wanderers footballer has been busy studying in preparation for when his playing career is over

Left back, Andy Taylor, aged 31, has just completed the first year of a masters in sport directorship at the University of Salford, taught at its Media City campus.

The two-year course is designed to prepare people with experience of sports at all levels to become leaders.

Andy said: “It’s all about exploring different avenues. I have another year playing at Bolton. I’ll be 33 at the end of my current contract and I want to open as many possibilities as I can.

“The course is about being in a leadership position, whether that as a director or something similar. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead in what I choose to do.

“We have been learning about management strategies and different tools you can use. I’m intrigued by the role of a sporting director and this has helped broaden my awareness of life after football.

“The networking side of the course has been particularly useful. I’m speaking with people from all different backgrounds and different sports. Hopefully the course will set me up nicely.”

Among his colleagues on the course are cricketer Matthew Hoggard, gymnast Beth Tweddle and athlete Goldie Sayers.

Describing the last season Andy said: “After the last game the manager just came into the dressing room and told us to get off, there was no big end of season party. It was a tough season and we were exhausted at the end. But we stayed up and there is more optimism for the new season.”

Dr Jonathan Lord, course leader from the University of Salford Business School, said: “Andy has shown great commitment to his studies, both when the season was on and over the summer. He has balanced the demands of the course well and as we start the second year I’m sure he will continue to do well.”