Man Marking - Episode 6 - Alex Hay

Episode Six:

Isolation, personality, and keeping up appearances.

In 2003, Wirral born Alex Hay achieved every football fan's childhood dream, to score for your team, in front of the home end. Alex grew up in the shadow of Prenton Park, the home of Tranmere Rovers. He turned down offers from Tranmere's looming premier league neighbors, Everton and Liverpool to join his beloved Rovers. 

Making his way through the academy, and into the first-team picture, playing alongside the likes of Liam O'Brien, John Achterberg, Jonny Morrissey, Jason Koumas, Clint Hill and Iain Hume, Alex would go on to make 54 appearances for Tranmere before being released by Brian Little ahead of the 2004/2005 season. 

Alex was heartbroken and moved down south to Rushden and Diamonds, who had just been relegated into Division 3. Alex struggled for form and confidence, isolating himself from his teammates. After an unsuccessful season, Alex moved back North, signing for Bangor City in the Welsh Premier League. A handful more seasons in the Welsh and Non-League, saw Alex's playing career culminate at local side Cammell Laird in 2010. 

At that point, Alex dropped out of the professional game and embarked on a difficult transition into civilian life. We spoke to Alex about his struggles with anxiety and confidence, his time at Tranmere, and how he coped with the idea of no longer being a professional footballer once his career had finished.