‘It can be daunting looking for a new career’ – Craig Dundas, Sutton United legend

Craig Dundas made more than 400 appearances during four spells with Sutton United. At the age of 40, Craig became the oldest player to make his English Football League debut since the Second World War when he appeared for Sutton against Stevenage in 2021.

These days, Craig is plying his trade at Epsom and Ewell in the Combined Counties League, where he’s Joint Player Manager.

As someone who’s played in the EFL and non-league football over many years, Craig says it’s difficult to find an alternative career:

‘I think it’s mainly about looking for options, what things you can do and what career paths are easier to get into.  It’s a little bit daunting at times, thinking to yourself is that the correct career for me or am I going to be good at it?’ Craig is now aiming to secure a place on a two-year coaching scheme, which he believes is the right next step for him. 

In the meantime, he says support from organisations like The Players Foundation is essential with the high cost of living: ‘Things are so expensive now – you’ve got your family to look after, and the food budget isn’t what it was 10 or 15 years’ ago!  The support can be massive, and it really helps during those tough times.’

And, as a professional footballer, Craig says you have to be ready to deal with the unexpected: ‘Sometimes, you’re just in a bubble, concentrating on the next training session or the next game, not thinking about what you will do if you get an injury. It’s good to have support, so you’ll know what to do when things like that happen.’