I’m a former Blackburn Rovers striker but now I’m a painter decorator… I look unrecognisable in my work gear

A FORMER Blackburn Rovers striker turned painter decorator now looks “unrecognisable” in his work gear.

Hat-trick scorer Simon Garner, 63, dons a paint spattered fleece to work instead of the blue and white kit of his Ewood Park days.

Hat-trick scorer Simon Garner, 63, dons a paint spattered fleece

Garner, who spent four weeks in prison in 1996 for contempt of court during a “messy” divorce from his first wife, went through a number of jobs following his successful football career.

The goal-scorer has now traded in the glory of his 1980s title as “Blackburn’s all-time leading scorer” for the acclaim of not spilling a pot of paint in 20 years.

But the Lincolnshire lad also spent three months as a postman and “a short time” managing council houses for Wycombe Wanderer’s former owner Steve Hayes before settling down in his new career.

He fell into painting and decorating after a pal took him under his wing following a conversation in the pub.

He said: “Fortunately, this guy gave me the job, taught me the ropes, and after eight months I went on my own.”

Now based in Cookham, Berkshire, Garner transforms homes with a slick of paint.

And he said the job’s perfect for him because he can choose which hours he works.

He finishes work early on the days Blackburn Rovers play and commentating on games in the south for his local radio station.

It comes after Garner’s striking career ended in 2000.

He started his incredible career at his local club Boston United before joining Blackburn Rovers as an apprentice, turning professional in July 1978 and playing his debut the following season at Newcastle United.

He played 474 league games for Rovers over his 14-year stint at the club.

In his final season at Ewood Park, Blackburn were promoted to the Premier League.

He scored 168 goals in the league and 192 in all competitions – which remains a club record and in February 2019 he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

After Rovers he moved to West Bromwich Albion for £30,000 in 1992, Wycombe Wanderers in 1993 and Woking in 1996 before spending a couple of years with non-league Wealdstone.

He’s previously revealed Rovers had no defence during his time there.

“We didn’t know how to defend,” he said. “If the opposition scored three, we scored four.”

Garner in 1987 with Blackburn Rovers. He scored 168 goals in the league and 192 in all competitionsGetty – Contributor