Marlon Harewood has offered to help worried pros concerned about their cash after becoming the go-to man to provide cars to the stars.
Ex-West Ham forward Harewood runs his own car company AC13 Premier and also a lifestyle business servicing some of football's top stars.
Customers at his Nottingham-based business include England World Cup heroes Harry Kane, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph.
Harewood is also often invited in by clubs to speak to young players about managing their money and buying possessions.
He learned the hard way and started up the business after being forced to pay £20,000 just to change his sporty Porsche 911 Carrera 4 in his heyday.
Now he fears players, especially those in the curtailed lower leagues, could face tough choices and uncertain futures as the coronavirus repercussions hit home.
Harewood, 40, said: “I feel sorry for players right now, you don't have a clue what is going to happen.
“It is very tough, especially for the lads who are out of contract or may have just one year left.
“I would say many would be stressed out in a lot of ways but if they wanted to talk I can help them. I have had calls from clients who wanted some advice.
“It is hard times but if they want any advice about getting a new car or if it is costing them money we will advise them. I've been interested in cars since I got advised poorly about the car I bought when I got stung.
“But players still want a nice car and it can make you feel good and confident. Players want to turn up looking smart with nice shoes and clothes.
“I liked that feeling of going to training in a nice car but in these uncertain times, players might have to just make modifications to their current cars rather than buy a new one.
“We can change the entire look by giving cars a coloured wrap, changing the wheels or giving it a bespoke custom interior for a new car feel without the big expense. Or if they want a new one we advise them to look at their car deal the right way.
“If they have a short time left on their contract with their club, why would we offer them a four year deal on their car, it wouldn’t make financial sense. We lose clients sometimes because we might look expensive on paper but it’s because the deal they’re comparing us to often aren't right.”
Harewood came through at Nottingham Forest as an academy graduate and made 137 Premier League appearances via spells with West Ham, Aston Villa and Blackpool.
The striker played until 35 after dropping down the divisions and has since been invited into various clubs to advise youngsters.
He added: “Most want the cars and jewellery and you can have that stuff but at the same time you don't have to go silly.
“Unless you are a superstar earning millions like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, you have to be careful with your money so you still have enough for later in life.
“My business partner Riccardo Leighton's football career ended early. It underlines the importance of having something to fall back on.”
