'It's so similar' - from elite footballers to enlisted firefighters

Two former elite footballers transitioned into firefighting work after injuries forced early retirement. Abbie McManus and Jess Sigsworth previously shared dressing rooms while playing for top clubs, and they chose to move together when their careers continued. Both later became firefighters with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, where their familiarity and teamwork carried over into emergency response. One call involved freeing a deer trapped in railings, creating a surreal moment as they stood together and waited for the animal to stand. McManus described being medically retired after a severe leg break and trying for months to return before being told she was finished. The injury also disrupted personal plans, including a surprise birthday organized by her mother.

"“We both just stood there - it was surreal. We used to be in the dressing room together and now we were just wanting this deer to stand up.” For former England defender Abbie McManus - and ex-Leicester City striker Jess Sigsworth - the shift from elite footballers to firefighters has come with plenty of unexpected moments. None more so than, while working for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, helping to free a deer that had become trapped in railings."

"“It was one of those moments where we just looked at each other and thought, how has this become our life?” McManus said. Image source, Getty Images Growing up in the north of England, their paths crossed when they were at Manchester United, and their subsequent friendship helped to influence their next move. “There were a couple of clubs that wanted us both,” McManus said. “We said we'd move together.”"

"“Leaving for Leicester was massive because Manchester is home. Having Jess there was like a comfort blanket. We lived together for a couple of years.” Professional footballing careers do not always end on players' own terms, with both McManus (in 2023) and Sigsworth (in 2024) forced to retire because of serious injuries. “I was medically retired,” McManus explained. “I had a bad break in my leg. It was a bitter pill to swallow.”"

"“I tried for 18 months to come back but the surgeon eventually said: 'You're done.'” Football's your whole life. You've done it since you were 16 years old and then suddenly the big wide world comes at you. Her injury also ruined another important occasion. “I rang my mum from the stretcher and said: 'I've broken my leg.' I didn't understand why she sounded so stressed, but she'd organised a surprise 30th birthday for two days later.”"

Read at www.bbc.com