Neasden defender Scott Shindler has announced his retirement from the JC MSFL.
A three-time Peter Morrison Trophy winner, Shindler, 29, was part of the successful NWN team who won three consecutive league and cup doubles.
A free-scoring defender, Spurs fan Shindler has been playing in the Maccabi League for 13 years.
In an exclusive JC interview, Shindler told me his decision was based largely on the fact that he expects to become a father for the first time in the new year.
Looking back on his career, Shindler told JC Sport: "I've been playing MSFL since I was 16, so would like my Sunday mornings back. Yes, I could still do it for a team in the Premier Division, but playing against those boys no longer motivates me as I’ve played against them every year for so long. My hunger and passion simply isn’t there any more."
Shindler has won every honour in the MSFL – including the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup and he is a three-time league winner. He also played for the Rep Team. He left Neasden a couple of years ago and helped Temple Fortune win the Division Two title. He was also crowned Division Two Player of the Year the same year.
"The motivation to wake up on a Sunday morning and deal with some referees doesn’t really appeal to me anymore," Shindler added.
Asked for his career highlight, Shindler said: "The NWN team of a few years ago was an unbelievable team - possibly the best there has ever been in the MSFL.
"I've been committed to the MSFL for all those years, turning down the opportunity to play in other leagues.
"Maybe I'll be back for Masters football, but as it stands the MSFL in my opinion is not where it used to be - the gulf of what it was and what it is now are two different levels. The standard has dropped significantly."
