Clare Stobart talks football, fitness and family with the ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland star

You have an outstanding careers and legacy, including many record-breaking moments such as 134 caps for Ireland. Since retiring from professional football, how has your fitness routine changed?

I am 46 now, so I have to monitor what I do and don’t do. I’ve had some issues injury wise when I was playing football which led to multiple operations on different areas of my body. But, right now, I feel pretty fit both physically and mentally. I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. I can’t always fit training in as much as I would like to due to my new role as a football pundit. I’m really enjoying this chapter in my life, which is still driven by my passion for football. Punditry keeps me involved, albeit no longer on the pitch.

My fitness routine has changed since I retired from playing professional football. I find that I am lifting heavier weights now because of the people I train with. Having a group of friends to work out with here reminds me of being at the football club. We have a coffee in the morning, a great craic together, then do some training, and often have lunch together. It feels like being back in the changing rooms. We bounce off each other when we’re training and have fun. It is great motivation, and I think I would struggle if I was training on my own to be honest.

If I was to compare my fitness levels when I was playing in the Premier League and for Ireland, I would say I was a 9 out of 10. I think 10 is perfection, Cristiano Ronaldo standard! Now, I think I’m more like a 6 out of 10 to be honest. But doing the classes like Cyclo at CPASE really do help. The cycling is a great form of cardio, but still takes some of the pressure off my joints, particularly my knees. From an over all fitness perspective, I really enjoy being able to add some cardio into my training regime.

From your professional and personal experience, are there any tips you can share with us to improve people’s overall fitness and wellbeing?

It has to be ‘show up!’. I think this is the best thing I could say to someone who feels as though they are not very fit or do not enjoy going to the gym. Getting yourself through that door really is the first step. Once you’ve achieved that, you can achieve anything. By gradually building up your fitness levels and your mental strength, it will really help you with your ‘get up and go’, encouraging you to push yourself that little bit more, each and every day.

No matter how small or short your session is, it’s always worth it. Particularly due to the benefit increased movement has to not only your physical, but also your mental health. Whenever I miss a workout, I always feel like I could have done better that day and it plays on my mind. It’s scientifically proven that your mood - for the rest of the day you showed up and trained on - is lifted. By scheduling in time for a workout, you are setting yourself up to have a great day. It really is so important to challenge yourself and show up.

Relaxation is key in any profession, particularly one that is as physically demanding as football. What is your go to thing to do to unwind?

I enjoy using the steam room and sauna and I also like to stretch in the pool. It helps in the rehabilitation of my previous injuries and keeps any new niggles at bay.

Outside of the gym, I love to play golf. Being with friends and having a bit of fun together all whist playing a few rounds is absolutely great. This is something that I find is also good for the mind, as it gets you away from the stresses and pressure of everyday life, even if it is only for 18 holes.

You have worked very closely with Macmillan Cancer Research to honour your mum Agnes’ memory, who sadly passed away when you were only 4. Do you have any future fundraising planned?

While I don’t have any immediate plans for fundraising, I am always helping wherever possible. It is a cause that is very close to my heart, and I try to help as much as I can. I also work with Beechwood Cancer Care Home in Stockport. It is an amazing local charity who provide a sanctuary for cancer patients and their families in Stockport and the surrounding area.

Where are your favourite spots in and around Cheshire to relax with your family, catch up with friends or even kick around a football? Since moving here in 2009 what has been your most treasured find?

There are so many nice places around Cheshire, it’s hard to say just one. I love Tatton Park and going back to my love of golf, there are some amazing courses around. I play at Mottram, Prestbury and The Mere. I’m really spoiled for choice. I also love walking over The Edge in Alderley and taking in the incredible scenery. One thing I really love about Cheshire, is that it’s so central and easy to commute to and from, without compromising the beautiful and unrivalled countryside.

Shay, you’re considered one of the best keepers in the world. In your autobiography Any Given Saturday, you touch on all aspects of your professional and personal life. What led you to share your story?

It is an absolute honour to be considered one of the best keepers in the world, thank you so much. Playing the sport, I love for Ireland and the Premier League was definitely the driving force behind writing my book.

The first chapter of my book is about my mum which was very tough to write about to be honest. People know you as a football player, but don’t always know anything else about you. Opening up so much about my home life and family was hard to get through, because it was quite emotional. It got me thinking about a lot of things my family went through when I was growing up. After my mum died, my dad took on the 6 of us and when he went on to remarry, he took on 2 more kids. I wrote about my journey from where I started to where I ended up.

And finally, looking back, what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Try and enjoy everything you do”. As soon as I shifted into the mindset, that, “this is fun”, everything changed and I started to genuinely love my career, even the hard parts. There is a lot of horrible stuff going on in the world, but you’ve got to focus on the stuff between your ears and keep that focussed and happy. If you do that, everything else will follow.

My dad always told me to work hard in order to reap the rewards, even when we were in the fields working as kids. This has always put me in good stead over the years, as I feel truly blessed to have had the career I’ve had and always stay humble and grateful.

Success isn’t given to you on a plate, it’s a result of hard work and so much time put in behind the scenes. My “Mrs” Rebecca and I try to instil this mindset into my 4 kids, just like my dad did to me. After all, it has served me well.

You also have to love what you’re doing. I didn’t have love for school and studying, but I’m dedicated to what I do. My dream was always to play football, but there are not many players from north west Ireland, especially from my hometown of Donegal. Seamus Coleman who currently plays for Everton also comes from the area, but not many professional players have come from Donegal.

People always used to say, “you’ll get nowhere playing football” and that somehow, I would regret trying. In my experience, you need to have dedication, talent and touch of Irish luck, I was definitely in the right place, at the right time.

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