Ex-Shrews player Sam Aiston to become a 'sir'
A former Shrewsbury Town footballing star has become the talk of the playground after he took up a year-long teacher training programme at two Shropshire schools. [caption id="attachment_94511" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Sam Aiston, who has started his teaching role at Bicton Primary School, with pupils Chloe Jones and Dan Adams"][/caption] A former Shrewsbury Town footballing star has become the talk of the playground after he took up a year-long teacher training programme at two Shropshire schools. Sam Aiston, who made 265 league appearances as a midfielder for the Town's team, has already started work in Bicton Primary School, in Shrewsbury, with a view of becoming a full-time teacher of all subjects. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
A former Shrewsbury Town footballing star has become the talk of the playground after he took up a year-long teacher training programme at two Shropshire schools.
Sam Aiston, who made 265 league appearances as a midfielder for the Town's team, has already started work in Bicton Primary School, in Shrewsbury, with a view of becoming a full-time teacher of all subjects.
His 12-month training programme, which starts in September, will also see him placed at Grange School, in Shrewsbury, for six weeks.
However, the famous Newcastle-born 33-year-old still manages to make regular appearances on the football field playing part-time for Gainsborough Trinity Football Club.
Mr Aiston said: "I've already started at the Bicton Primary School to get to know how it all works and I've been trying to build up relationships with the parents and pupils before I start full-time in September.
Feedback
"I have a personal mentor, Natalie Johnson, who has been a great help. She observes my teaching and gives me feedback on where I can improve.
"I used to coach football in the Crossbar Coaching sessions and that's where I found I enjoyed teaching. For a lot of footballers, they are not retiring from the Premier League with millions in the bank and teaching is the future for me."
Mr Aiston began his footballing career at Newcastle United in 1994. He has made more than 200 appearances in the Premier League and the Football League, for Sunderland, Chester City, Shrewsbury Town, Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham.
Having joined Shrewsbury Town in 2001 he settled in the area with his fiancée Hollie, who works as a nurse in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Their daughter Madeline is also set to start at St Giles Primary School, this September.
Mr Aiston added: "The kids at the school are all very young so they don't know me from my footballing days, but some of the dads have recognised me. I've still got a couple of years left on the football field but I'm looking forward to my new career."
By Sam Pinnington
