BY IAIN COLLIN – Capital City Press
Kevin Cuthbert hopes ‘moonlighting’ as a personal trainer can help him stay injury-free with Raith Rovers this season.
The former St Johnstone, Hamilton Accies, Morton and Ayr United keeper suffered a nightmare spell last term, with a shoulder injury keeping him sidelined for seven months following surgery.
The 32-year-old returned to action for the final month of last season and has begun the new campaign as Rovers’ number one under new manager Ray McKinnon.
And the Perth-born shot-stopper, who works with Barry Stephen Personal Training in Aberdeen when he can fit in the hours away from football, is desperate to use his exercise expertise to stay fit and playing week-in, week-out.
He said: “I started in personal training when I went to Ayr after I left Morton as I had to get a job, and I have kept it going.
“It’s important, especially when you get to my age, to make sure you have something when you finish with football. It’s good to have something to fall back on.
“I’ve been lucky enough that I can combine it with playing, but it is not easy at times.
“But hopefully it will prolong my career.
“Last season, the work I did in the gym was something that 10 years ago I wouldn’t have had any knowledge of.
“Even with things like flexibility and mobility, I am trying to pass that wisdom on to (Raith back-up keeper) Ross (Laidlaw), as I never had that when I was his age.
“I never had anyone trying to direct me and help me in other aspects of the game. I think it is very important.”
@IainCollin
