Blackburn Head of Performance leaves football due to toll on family
Rush has been with Blackburn since 2011
Written by Simon Austin — January 3, 2021
BLACKBURN’S Head of Athletic Performance, Chris Rush, is leaving full-time work in professional football after 15 years because “the sacrifice of the family is far too great.”
Rush has been with Rovers since August 2011, initially as Lead Athletic Performance Coach and then as Head of Athletic Performance.
He started his career as a practitioner with Preston North End in November 2005 and went on to work with Middlesbrough and Manchester City before his move to Blackburn.
Writing on LinkedIn, Rush said: “After 15 years in professional football, I have decided to resign from my role as Head of Athletic Performance with Blackburn Rovers and end full-time work in football.
"My decision is purely based on wanting to prioritise family life over my professional life. The life of a support staff member in football requires 60+ hour work weeks, 11 months a year, weekends away from the family, and missed life events.
“These are the sacrifices necessary when pursuing high performance. I have lived this life happily for 15 years and have been rewarded with some fantastic experiences and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“However, I feel that now the sacrifice of the family is far too great. Although my professional plans for the future are anxiously undetermined I am truly excited for the experiences and opportunities to come.
“Although I will leave the club at the start of March I am very positive about the direction the club is taking. Under Tony Mowbray, the club has been transformed since relegation to League One in 2017. The performance environment he has built can only contribute to any future success.
“Thank you so much to those who have given me an opportunity, invaluable support, and learning experiences along the way.”
A replacement has not yet been officially announced by the club.
-1.png)
