FORMER Southend United goalkeeper Ted Smith has announced his retirement at the age of 24.

The shot-stopper – who represented England at under 18, 19 and 20 level – made 30 appearances for the Shrimpers.

But Smith has now opted to hang up his boots after falling out of love with playing.

“Ever since I can remember game day was never the most exciting part of the week, which I think it should be,” said Smith.

“I loved and still do love the training side of the game.

“I’d sit watching training back and videos of different goalkeepers most nights trying to work out how to improve.”

And Smith had plenty of time to think things through after spending 18 months on the sidelines with a serious shoulder injury.

“I think when I had my injury I had to time to think while in the treatment room about the whole scenario,” said Smith, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.

“Essentially all the work I was putting in was to be able to perform well on a matchday and that was something I struggled with.

“Don’t get me wrong there were amazing times after games that we won, but I think overall the whole being in the spotlight on a Saturday and performing on a stage just wasn’t for me and I have accepted that.”

Smith’s best run with Blues came during the 2016/17 season when he started 17 games in succession before suffering his shoulder injury.

But, at the start of that campaign, Smith struggled with criticism coming his way on social media.

“The social media side is something that comes with playing the game professionally at senior level,” admitted Smith.

“But I’ll always remember Bolton away.

“It was my first League game that season and I messed up for the goal in a game we should have won but ended up drawing 1-1. “Everybody in the changing room was brilliant.

“They understood I was young and that I was gutted about what had happened but on social media things are seen very much black and white.

“I remember reading the abuse after the game and during the next week knowing that I had to go out there and play the next Saturday.

“If I’m honest it was something I really struggled with.

“Fans are completely entitled to their opinions on the game and I didn’t have an issue with that, but some things can be taken a little far and not only is it tough for me to read but my family are also reading the same comments.

“I ended up deleting both my Twitter and Instagram accounts as I felt that it was what I needed to do in order to stop reading the comments.”

Smith’s final professional appearance came against Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy in January 2019.

Echo:

International - Ted Smith played for England in his youth

But the custodian only carried on that long due to the people closest to him.

“I think deep down that I knew playing the game was something that would stop before I was forced to retire and I think what drove me on was how proud I made my family and friends,” said Smith.

“Being honest that was the main reason that I carried it on for so long.

“When getting my England caps or my Southend and England shirts I would be much more excited about giving them to my family that were there watching the game rather than actually appreciating them for my own achievements.”

And Smith, a former King John School pupil, also began to realise there is more to life than football.”

“I think that during the time I spent injured, I realised that there is a whole world that lies outside of football,” said Smith.

“I made football my whole life.

“I lived and breathed it and didn’t know anything else so it’s only now that I am prioritising things I should be.”

However, Smith has not ended his career because of a lack of options.

The shot-stopper was offered the chance to return to Roots Hall and there was also serious interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

“There were talks about me re-joining Blues and it was something that I seriously considered,” said Smith.

“At the same time I had the opportunity to go into Tottenham under 23 team as they were short on goalkeepers.

“I went to meet John McDermott (the head of academy coaching) and we had a really long chat about my future and what would be best for me going forward.

“He gave me some amazing advice that really opened my eyes to the whole situation and I can’t thank him enough.

“I concluded that although it would be a great experience, deep down it wasn’t for me and I wouldn’t want to take any opportunities away from another goalkeeper who loves game day.

“At the same time I was back and forward with Ron (Martin) about the possibility to return but the embargo fell at an unfortunate time and I took this as a sign that it wasn’t meant to happen.”

However, Smith will always hold the Shrimpers in high regard.

“Southend have been amazing as a club,” said Smith.

“I was there for a total of 12 years and they are memories I will always cherish.

“I have a huge list of people I would love to thank during that time and I think that list would be too long for you to fit in the paper.

“So to be brief I’d like to thank Ron Martin, all the managers and coaches I’ve have from under 12’s, the medical team for helping me get through a nasty injury, the strength and conditioning coaches that taught me how to live a healthy life and of course all the players that I played with.

“I really do hope that every person I came across remembers me for being a good person.”

But Smith is not turning his back on football altogether and is looking forward to his future plans.

“This is the exciting part,” said Smith.

“Although I struggled with the pressures of matchday, I would love the opportunity to be able to help goalkeepers of all ages and levels reach their goals and dreams.

“Football has been a journey and I don’t feel like that has to end.

“I always got more out of seeing one of the younger goalkeepers develop and succeed than I did myself, so I would love to be able to contribute to other people’s careers.”

And, with that in mind, Smith has now started two companies.

“I have started a goalkeeping glove company called OKAMI goalkeeping,” said Smith.

“I want to use this to make gloves of the highest quality much more affordable for everyone.

“I have also just started a company with Lee Harrison called the GK HQ.

“The idea is to use our knowledge of goalkeeping to post online and help others learn the game.

“These are both projects so in the meantime I am open to jobs in and out of football where I can help young aspiring goalkeepers develop not just as goalkeepers but as human beings too.

“I’ll also still be coming to Roots Hall as a fan and it will be great to cheer on the boys.”