Shay Given looking for another challenge to extend playing career as Stoke exit nears

Shay Given intends to have another year in the professional ranks as his time with Stoke City comes to an end.

Given, 41, is out of contract on July 1 but he says there has been interest from a couple of clubs and he doesn’t feel ready to retire just yet.
He only played six times for Stoke last season, taking his career tally to 636 games, but Given is confident he can still do a job in the Premier League as a back-up or by dropping down to the Sky Bet Championship for more starts.

Given, also capped 134 times by the Republic of Ireland, told the Irish Sunday Independent: „Yes I am 41, but I do feel I could go on for another year, be it as a number two or three in the Premier League, or number one in the Championship.

„There might be one last hurrah, a promotion, (it) just depends what is out there. I have no divine right to get a club but if someone came along and it was of interest, it might happen.

„I know the end is near. It could be this year, could be next year, but once you do retire, especially at my age, you can’t go back in six months and say, ‘I’ve changed my mind and I want to give it another go’, and every ex-player I speak to says continue as long as you can.
„There are a couple of options, which is encouraging. I know if the phone doesn’t ring by the end of the window, then I won’t be moping around because the party is over, but I do feel I could play another year, definitely.“

Given has already started planning for the future and holds his UEFA A licence, but he concedes getting a foot on the coaching ladder could also be a tough step.

He added: „I think I could do the job. I have all the qualifications, but they could just sit in a drawer. There are not many English or Irish managers
„It’s not demoralising, but when you see clubs appointing foreign managers, like Norwich recently, it is a concern for English and Irish coaches.

„There seem to be fewer opportunities and even if you want to become an assistant or a goalkeeping coach, these guys are bringing their own people with them, so there are no jobs out there.“