After Dundee United, Lee Wilkie eyes new career in North Sea oil

• Wilkie with the cup at Tannadice. Picture: SNS

The 30-year-old was forced to retire earlier this season after finally admitting defeat in his battle with a long-standing knee problem.

Wilkie, who led United out at Hampden on Saturday and lifted the trophy with Andy Webster after their 3-0 cup final win over Ross County, will travel to Aberdeen next week to undergo his training after being put forward for the job by ex-Tannadice team-mate Mark Kerr.

The former Scotland international defender said: "Next week my life is moving in another direction as I'm off to Aberdeen to do an offshore survival course. Mark Kerr helped set it up for me because he's got a friend who works in the industry.

"So hopefully soon I'll be going offshore to start and I'm really looking forward to it."

Wilkie spent his entire career playing for both clubs in Dundee and, while he knows he has made a decent living over the years, has not made enough to retire.

He added: "A few folk will maybe be surprised, but we're not all John Terry or Frank Lampard earning huge money.

"I've no regrets about the career I've had and wouldn't change a thing. I remember when I was in the Scotland team one of my mates was a plumber and was earning more than me.

"I used to look at the likes of Barry Ferguson and Christian Dailly and hope one day I'd make that sort of money. But it just wasn't to be and I don't feel bitter about it.

"The vast majority of guys still need to work after they are finished with football and I have to say I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing something different."