Former Mansfield Town goalkeeper retires from football

Former Mansfield Town goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik has hung up his gloves.
Bobby Olejnik in action for Mansfield Town against Northampton Town in December 2019. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Bobby Olejnik in action for Mansfield Town against Northampton Town in December 2019. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Bobby Olejnik in action for Mansfield Town against Northampton Town in December 2019. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

The Austrian, who was released by Stags at the end of the last campaign, made the announcement via Twitter and said he intended to concentrate on a career in business.

Olejnik, who joined Mansfield from Exeter City, made 41 appearances for the club over three seasons.

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“The last three months have, for the first time ever, allowed me to really sit down and consider my future,” he said.

Bobby Olejnik was a Wembley winner with Peterborough in 2014 after JPT success against Chesterfield.  (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)Bobby Olejnik was a Wembley winner with Peterborough in 2014 after JPT success against Chesterfield.  (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Bobby Olejnik was a Wembley winner with Peterborough in 2014 after JPT success against Chesterfield. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

“Football has been an amazing experience and it has had a massive influence on my character and my life.

“I’ve exerienced some major highs as well as some major lows. I don’t think anybody ever wants to stop doing something they enjoy, but I’ve had to start thinking more long-term and what is best for me moving forward.

“With everything going on in the world I felt it was as good a time as ever to change careers and pursue another passion, technology.

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“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love tech, so I am looking forward to seeing where this avenue willl take me.

“Finally all that is left to say is to say thankyou to all my coaches, physios, admin staff, team-mates and the fans, without whom I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I have had throughout my career.

“Good luck to everyone in the upcoming seasons and I hope football brings you as much joy as it has brought me.”

Olejnik came through the youth system as Rapid Vienna before he moved to join Aston Villa’s youth system in 2003.

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He failed to make the grade and moved to Falkirk in 2007, where he spent four seasons before returning to England with Torquay United.

The shot-stopper also enjoyed spells at Peteborough, where he lifted the JPT Trophy in 2014 after beating Chesterfield, and loan spells with Scuthorpe and York.

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