'This year... I have struggled off the pitch' - Shrewsbury's Carl Winchester on his off-field battle
Shrewsbury Town captain Carl Winchester says living away from home has taken more of a toll on him this season than before.
The skipper reached a remarkable landmark at Leyton Orient on Saturday as he made his 500th professional career appearance.
The 31-year-old first joined Shrewsbury in 2022 on loan from Sunderland playing 43 times in his debut season in Shropshire.
He sealed a permanent switch in the summer of 2023 signing a two-year deal.
Winchester lives in Shropshire, while his partner and young daughter live back home in his native Belfast.
And the former Oldham and Cheltenham man has admitted this season it has been harder living away from his family than before.
"I think this year I have struggled the most off the pitch," Winchester said. "My little girl is a lot older now and she has realised that I am not about.
"So off the pitch this season it has been really really tough.
"Stuff like getting to 500 games shows that if you stick it out, and you work, you can reach milestones like this.
"It is hard being over here with all your family back in Ireland. It is the sacrifices they make for me to have this career."
In an interview with the Shropshire Star back in 2024 he said his daughter 'gives him life'.
And when he goes through struggles his family are his 'saving grace'.
Speaking post-match on Saturday he revealed why being away from them is a challenge.
"At the minute as well it is hard because there is so much travelling involved," he continued. "Sometimes it is a bit too much for her and she might get upset when she has to travel and it is not fair on her sometimes.
"It is harder now as she is getting older. It is just one of those things."
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