Bradford City's Sheffield-born striker Michael Boulding is probably best known for either his two successful stints at Mansfield Town or his decidedly less auspicious abode at Aston Villa where he was denied the chance to impress with his only outings coming in the Intertoto cup.
Less well known is the fact that before turning his hand (or, more accurately, feet) to a career in association football, Boulding was a promising tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of 1119. Not quite world champion material but respectable enough none the less.
Realising that his heart (and his wallet) would be better served by ditching the racket he called time on his tennis career at the age of 23 and began his first stint with the Staggs in Division Three. He subsequently went on to play for (deeeeeeeeep breath) Grimsby, Aston Villa (I mentioned that before, remember?), Sheffield United, Barnsley and Cardiff City before deciding to hang up his boots at the age of 29. And then changing his mind and un-retiring to join Rotheram. And then leaving four months later without making a first team appearance to rejoin Mansfield. This time he brought along his brother too. Fast forward two years and a bunch of goals and we're up to the present day with the Fabulous Boulding Boys signing for Bradford City.
Will MB be a success for the Bantams? Well I guess the ball is in his court.
Oh god, just kill me now. Seriously, can you believe that's how I'm ending this article? I cannot be serious!
Alright, I'm just making things worse now aren't I?
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