Former Leeds United players Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw are among those who have sent messages of support to Scott Carson after he officially announced his retirement.
Scott Carson began his career with Leeds in the 2003/04 season, appearing as a late substitute when Paul Robinson was sent off against Middlesbrough in January 2004.
However, Carson caught the eye on his first Leeds start, as he produced an impressive display at Old Trafford as Leeds pulled off a surprise 1-1 draw in their Premier League relegation battle.
Carson’s time at Leeds was short-lived, as he was sold in January 2005 as the club adapted to life in the Championship under Kevin Blackwell.
Now, Kalvin Phillips has led the tribute to the former Leeds academy product, who has called time on a unique career after leaving Manchester City in the summer.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesFormer Leeds United players react to Scott Carson’s retirement
Carson announced his retirement with a post on his Instagram page, calling time on a career in which he made a total of 522 career appearances, including four caps for England.
In the caption of his post, Carson stated that it had been an honour to play the game for so long, as he wrote: “After an incredible journey between the posts, it’s time to hang up the gloves.
“Football has given me everything — memories, friendships, and moments I’ll never forget. Thank you to every teammate, coach, fan, and club that’s been part of my ride. It’s been an honour.”
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His post was met with a flood of responses from teammates, led by Leeds favourite Phillips, who played alongside Carson at Manchester City. Phillips posted: “Legend Scotty mate, it’s been a pleasure.”
Phillips’ former Leeds teammate Adam Forshaw also sent his congratulations to Carson, writing: “Congrats mate, what a career.”
This sentiment was also echoed by Man City’s Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland, who added: “Miss you, pal, all the best.”
Stuart Taylor, another goalkeeper who enjoyed a brief spell at Leeds, also reacted, stating: “Congratulations on a top career mate. Enjoy retirement.”
Credit: @scottpcarson33Former Leeds United man ends unique career
In the early 2000s, Leeds had three of the most talented goalkeepers in England, with Nigel Martyn as the club’s number one, Robinson on the bench and Carson in the academy.
Carson went on to have a unique career, spending time with West Brom, Bursaspor, Wigan Athletic and Derby County before he made an unexpected move to Man City.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Although he only made a handful of appearances for the club, Carson was part of the squad for four Premier League-winning campaigns, and City’s Champions League win in 2022/23.
Now, he can look forward to a long retirement, 20 years on from being thrown into the firing line at Old Trafford for Leeds.