![\"Nigel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_Nigel-Spink-as-a-goalkeeping-coach.jpg\")
Former England goalkeeper Nigel Spink now runs a courier business(Image: AMA\/Corbis via Getty)<\/p>\nAn ex-England and Aston Villa goalkeeper opted to leave football behind more than a decade ago after deciding to start an unlikely business venture<\/p>\n
08:00, 26 Oct 2025Updated 20:38, 27 Oct 2025<\/p>\n
Former England goalkeeper Nigel Spink now runs a courier business(Image: AMA\/Corbis via Getty)<\/p>\n
Former England goalkeeper and Aston Villa legend Nigel Spink<\/a> has swapped the football pitch for the open road after leaving the sport behind. The 67-year-old, who earned his only England<\/a> cap in 1983, was called up to the Three Lions squad a year after he heroically stepped in for injured Jimmy Rimmer during Villa’s victory in the 1982 European Cup final.<\/p>\n In just his second appearance for the club, Spink kept a clean sheet against Bayern Munich<\/a>, marking the start of his long tenure as Villa’s<\/a> number one. He played 460 games for the Villans, including one appearance as an outfielder, and also won the European Super Cup and League Cup before leaving Villa Park in 1996.<\/p>\n Internationally, his career highlight came when he replaced Peter Shilton for England against Australia<\/a>, not conceding in a 1-1 draw. After retiring, Spink found success as a coach but decided to leave football behind in 2013, embarking on a new career as a courier.<\/p>\n At the beginning of his coaching career, the Villa icon managed Forest Green Rovers for two years. He later worked as a goalkeeping coach under Steve Bruce<\/a> at Birmingham City, Wigan and Sunderland<\/a>.<\/p>\n It was towards the end of his time at Sunderland, when future business partner Paul Munro lent him a van to clear out his flat, that Spink began to consider the idea that would eventually lead him to leave football in 2013<\/p>\n READ MORE: Aston Villa’s hero making up for lost time after crushing blow<\/a>READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp opens up on impact of Diogo Jota death in emotional tribute to Liverpool icon<\/a><\/p>\n “That November, we were actually driving back with the van loaded up, and we thought, what a great job this has been,” he previously told Birmingham Live. “We spent the best part of 18 months researching it. We’ve done a lot of homework and preparation.”<\/p>\n The duo now operate S and M Couriers, working throughout the UK. Spink appears to harbour no regrets about walking away from football.<\/p>\n However, he recently returned to the ground where he lifted the European Cup<\/a> before Villa’s Europa League<\/a> triumph over Feyenoord.<\/p>\n “I enjoy every minute of it,” Spink said about his courier business. “We have some wonderful clients we work with all the time, and we’re open to anything. Both of us have had our vans in Villa colours – the club is still a big favourite for both of us.<\/p>\n “We work Monday to Friday, which is perfect because after years working every weekend and Bank Holiday as a footballer, I now get to have quality time with my family at the weekends.”<\/p>\n Spink made his mark on the grandest stage in club football, earned the privilege of representing his nation and became a Villa legend.<\/p>\n While many fans would dream of having Spink’s playing career, it appears he is just as satisfied with his unexpected new profession.<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror<\/a> Football<\/a> content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Nigel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Nigel-Spink.jpg\")
Spink won the European Cup with Aston Villa during his playing days(Image: Phil Cole \/Allsport)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1745740390_979_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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