CLUBSHOP manager Steve Hobin was being tracked down by Southampton scouts when a terrible injury ended his promising playing career.

The 21-year-old was captain of his university team and set for great things when he snapped his achilles tendon 14 months ago.

But the determined Prestonian bounced back and, anxious to stay involved in football, landed the chance to run North End's town centre Kit 2 shop.

And in an amazing twist of fate the injury gave Steve the chance to win over fiance Charlotte - she was a nurse in the Southampton hospital where he was treated.

The cruel blow meant Steve had to change his entire career path but it's something he had to do.

Former Brownedge St Mary's and Runshaw College student Steve said: "I was gutted when I was told I'd never be able to play again. It's every boy's dream to be a footballer and I almost made it. But you have to get on with it. Charlotte was very supportive - my very own Florence Nightingale."

And pick himself up he has. Steve has been in charge of a team of staff at Kit 2 for nearly six months and is loving every minute. He said: "It's great to still be involved in football. And the feedback we're getting about the shop is tremendous.

It would be good if the team was performing better - the better they're doing the more we sell."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.