Sports journalism degree course comes to an end

Doncaster Rovers’ Jay McGrath (right) is one of the last students to attain a degree through the partnership

An ex-footballer has insisted the players' union will continue to support retiring professionals find alternative careers, despite ending its partnership on a degree course with the University of Staffordshire.

Former Burton Albion midfielder John McGrath watched his son Jay graduate from the same course he completed towards the end of his playing career.

He said it was important that players looked to the future and he believed the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) remained supportive.

“They offer loads of different courses and coaching badges and they're always there for current and former players,” he said.

Lecturer Ian Bayley led the course and described its ending as “bittersweet”, having had graduates like former Stoke City manager Steven Schumacher and current Football Focus presenter Alex Scott.

Defender Jay McGrath signed for Doncaster Rovers from St Patrick Athletic in January

Jay McGrath described his graduation as a “special day” after embarking on a course that was “testing but enjoyable.”

“Being in the football environment, sometimes you forget you’re in the real world,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.

His father, now manager at Buxton, encouraged him to consider his options early in his career and said it was an “amazing achievement” to graduate at 21 years old, alongside playing professionally.

“Jay walks his own path and this was something he wanted to do,” John McGrath said, beaming. “We’re immensely proud of him.”

Mr Bayley said the degree course has left a great legacy and together with the university, the PFA had redefined what a footballer could be.

The PFA Business School, with bases in London and Manchester, said it would continue to offer its members subsidised courses and degree programmes.

It also offers financial support towards external qualifications.