Nowadays, former footballers are often seen going into management or appearing as pundits to give their thoughts on the game.

However, it hasn’t always been like that.

Keith Dyson was one of the last players to lift a major trophy for Newcastle United – the UEFA Fairs Cup in 1969 – but a complete change of career has seen him working as an independent financial advisor in Slaley for over 30 years.

Another trophy that Keith has added to his collection is a magnum of champagne for 34 years of service as an independent financial advisor with Openwork.

He said: “I’m one of the longest serving financial advisors in the company. We have a really good business, we’ve worked through the pandemic too.

“I’ve been working from home for about 7 years, and I have two fantastic secretaries. One, Helen, lives in Heddon and travels up to my house three days a week.”

“We mostly sell to individuals but occasionally businesses too. There has been an increase in the number of companies about and people are more aware of the services we provide, such as mortgates, investments and pensions.

Keith, a striker who played for Newcastle United before being transferred to Blackpool in a deal that saw Tony Green go the other way, scored 52 goals for the two clubs in 170 appearances between 1968 and 1976.

Comparing his style to that of Kenny Dalglish, he said: “I was a shielder. I used to hold the ball up, then create things from scratch in the box.”

Sadly, after a cruciate ligament knee injury in 1976 Keith was advised to retire from the game, but did go on to play for Lancaster City and Cleveland Cobras before happening upon his current role.

“Football and financial services are two different worlds! One week’s salary now probably equates to one year in my time. It has given players security if they get injured. It’s really beneficial for the players but I don’t know how the clubs have managed to provide such pots of money!

“The style of play is much more intricate than it was when I played too.”

Keith works from his home in Slaley and he can be contacted through his website at Keith Dyson Financial Consultancy.