PLAYING for a premier league football team has not affected dad-of-two Scott Thomas who loves nothing more than working at his Bolton gym and spending time with his family.

Born in Fairfield, Bury, the former Manchester City midfielder began his career at the tender age of seven playing for Radcliffe Juniors before being scouted for last season's champions.

He made two appearances for Manchester City between 1995 and 1996, playing against the likes of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, before an injury sadly called time on his blossoming career.

Despite this setback, the 40-year-old now thrives on his work at Phoenix Health and Fitness, and being a single dad to Mia, aged 12, and Luca, aged 10 — who is now following in his father's footsteps by playing in the Blues' Elite Juniors side.

But although his allegiance is to the blue side of Manchester, Scott admits it wasn't always that way.

He said: "I admit I used to be a Manchester United fan when I was a youngster. I had a season ticket and my dad took me to Wembley a few times.

"But when I was about 11 I was spotted by a scout at City as I was playing in the Bury league. I thought it was brilliant at the time – it was a really big deal. I did trials in the school holidays and then trained after school, so I'd get a bus from Bolton, through bury and into Manchester to meet my dad before going to the grounds.

"I ended up being in the same year as the likes of Beckham and Scholes, and playing against them made me change loyalties very quickly and I have been a City fan ever since."

Scott was brought up by parents Alan, aged 66, and Angela, aged 67, who supported his talent for the Beautiful Game.

He said: "My dad said that since I could walk I was always kicking a football against the wall and the fence. My daughter goes to my old school and the head teacher apparently made reference recently that I was always walking round with a football in a bag.

"My son Luca plays for the under 10 elite group at Manchester City, which I'm really proud of, but it has changed from when I was younger. They have to grow up a lot quicker these days. It's such a cut throat industry — you can be flavour of the month one minute, winning Young Player of the Year like me, then out with an injury the next."

Scott's career was thrown a curve ball in 1996 when he was on loan from City to Richmond Kickers in Virginia.

He said: "It was a brilliant opportunity being in the states but I shattered my left leg in four places and had to come back. I was gutted. There was no point in me trying to get to the grounds to try and train so City told me to my local gym – which was Phoenix.

"Because of my injury I had to retire in 1998 and then four years later I bought the gym. Football will always be my main love. I would not be able to coach as I am not patient enough, but keeping fit has played such a big part of my life — I've done various marathons and two Ironman triathlons too — so owning a gym was a natural choice."

With the help of his family, Scott is able to make the switch between business owner and father.
He said: "Being a single dad is about concentrating on your kids. I love being a dad. I know some people say it can be a struggle to raise them but I love it. You just have to get on and do it.

"I take them to school, then I do six hours at the gym and leave to continue my duties as a father. I do the washing and cooking — although I admit I am no good at ironing. I get help from my family, who are all amazing and really supportive. I wouldn't be where I am without them."