A FORMER footballer has changed career after being forced to change paths due to a injury.

Jimmy Warnett, a former player for Middlesbrough Football Club was forced to cut his professional career in sport short at 21-years-old due to injury.

He has now joined the sales team at a car showroom in Darlington.

The twenty-five-year-old had been playing alongside the likes of Ben Gibson, Dael Fry and current Rangers star Jordon Jones in youth and reserve team games.

Mr Warnett was part of the elite Middlesbrough Academy, and played for Crook Town AFC.

He had completed an extensive rehabilitation programme which he hoped would leave him fit to play again but the former right winger is now leaving the pitch behind and is starting a new chapter in a different industry.

He has taken on the role of a sales executive at Japanese car manufacturers Mitsubishi Tees Valley, which is based in McMullen Road, Darlington.

“I am really excited to be working for Mitsubishi and looking forward to getting some results for them,” said Mr Warnett, from Willington, near Crook in County Durham.

“Mitsubishi is a recognised brand with a loyal customer base, and I know the guys at the dealership have already done a great job in growing that base over the years.

“Hopefully I can add to that and start bringing new custom in for them as well as maintaining existing customers.”

This is not the first time Mr Warnett has dabbled in the automobile trade. 

He was taken on five years ago by another dealership five years ago by Jimmy Milner, who also happens to be his manager with Mitsubishi. 

Mr Milner said: “I have worked with Jimmy before and know that he is a extremely hard worker.

“He also has brilliant people skills and the customers love him.

“That connection with members of the public is very important at Mitsubishi Tees Valley, because we pride ourselves on having regular and returning customers to the store.

“It is a really nice atmosphere, and therefore I know that Jimmy will slot into the business perfectly.

“We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”