A FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper who played for 18 different clubs throughout his career is now enjoying success in a rather different game.
This ex-stopper was born in California, to an English mother and an American father, and moved to the UK aged seven.
He began playing for Stockport-based kids club Norbury Moor Rangers but was soon spotted by United legend Brian Kidd and signed a trainee contract at Old Trafford in 1997 and turned pro two years later.
Despite possessing dual nationality, he also went on to represent the Three Lions from U16 to U20 level.
The ace made his United debut in the final group match of the 2000 Fifa Club World Championship as a substitute and two more outings, one in the League Cup and another in the Premier League, followed the next season.
Loan spells with Belgian side Royal Antwerp and Oldham Athletic were next before this goalie departed United for Charlton in a £200,000 permanent deal having never conceded a goal for the club.
The man in question, of course, is Paul Rachubka.
He spent two years with the Addicks but most of that was out on loan to Burnley, Huddersfield, MK Dons, and Northampton before a spell back at Huddersfield led to them buying him in 2004.
Rachubka was in Yorkshire for three seasons, which included loans at Peterborough United and Blackpool, the second of which led to him joining them permanently.
It was with the Tangerines that he enjoyed the most match action of his career, playing over 100 times for them and winning the Player of the Year award, until Leeds swooped for him in 2011.
But his time at Elland Road was brief as he was sent out on loan to Tranmere, Leyton Orient and twice to Accrington Stanley prior to leaving permanently in 2013 for Oldham.
After two years there it was Crewe next, before stints at Bolton and Bury brought an end to his career in the Football League.
However, there was still one last adventure in store for Rachubka as he jetted off to India in 2017 to link up with former Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown.
He retired after playing one campaign for Kerala Blasters and now, aged 41, is enjoying life as an Associate Accountant for a company called The Accountancy People.
He described his role on his LinkedIn profile as: “My focus is on helping National Governing Bodies of Sport, Football Clubs and Individuals on a broad range of tax matters.
“Making your finances straight forward and efficient with a thoughtful approach to tax.”
SOURCE: thesun.ie
