Players approaching the end of their career, regardless of how the playing career panned out must get worried about how to bring in a wage as they approach their 30s. We have a recruitment problem because of our geographical location.
Imagine ICT having a framework agreement with local businesses that looks to offer a re-training option at the end of their career with a 3 year temporary contract in the 'non-football' career. The risk of injury prone players could be mitigated by stipulating conditions in contracts that enable 'early retirement' from football.
Benefits for ICT; Higher caliber players with proven football capability are brought in. No obligation to honor long contracts while players are injured. Better on the park performance. Good PR. Enhanced ticket sales.
Benefits for employers; Cheaper labor than in the market currently signed up for longer terms (i.e. lower long term salary than recruited in the market, by capping salary for example). PR boost from the name association. Loyalty of ex playing-staff brought on from a 'second chance' after football.
Benefits for the community; High caliber individuals moving to Inverness, probably family orientated with stability in mind.
Benefits for players; 3 year rolling playing contract with security and re-training, followed by a 3 year deal with a business. That is 6 years of family stability.
Surely our board and high-profile associates could set up this initiative? It takes a leading Commercial Manager to establish and enable such means. Try it with one player, why not?
This is not a novel idea as it has been proven to work elsewhere...over the bridge for example. Jobs for the boys....