This job's not life or death - gravedigging is, says Walsall boss Jon Whitney
Jon Whitney believes his unique and varied career was a great grounding for the pressured world of football management.
The Saddlers boss has had numerous jobs, including being a gravedigger, since hanging up his boots as a player.
But the 45-year-old insists all those experiences are helping him as he looks to guide Walsall into the Championship.
"I have packed shelves, worked in supermarkets, cleaned Portaloos and I was an undertaker for two years," Whitney said.
"I have done everything so I'm not going to get stressed by being a manager – I am going to enjoy it.
"I was doing my chartered physiotherapy course when I was gravedigging. I'd be out at 6am preparing the grave. I'd dig it out then I would put my suit on and carry the coffin.
"But that was the job I enjoyed the most. It might seem strange. But the people were incredible characters.
"You see people at their lowest ebb. So how can I get frustrated and down after a defeat. I've seen people lose loved ones.
"It keeps me grounded and makes me realise in the grand scheme of things you can't over analyse – you can't be too self critical.
"That's why we nurture the players here. We allow mistakes if they are done in the right way."
