Crewe Alex: Rio Ferdinand 'body-double' happy to go full-time

By mbaggaley crewe alex michael baggaley

by Michael Baggaley

CREWE'S new signing Mat Mitchel-King says he is happy to put his modelling career on hold to go full time with the Alex.

The 25-year-old midfielder, pictured, has divided his time between the Blue Square Premier League with Histon and international catwalks, but will concentrate on football after signing a two-year deal with Crewe.

Mitchel-King's portfolio includes working as a Nike body double for Rio Ferdinand for Nike. He says he initially thought carefully about giving up part-time football, but quickly made up his mind after meeting Gudjon Thordarson last Thursday.

He said: "I knew there was interest a month ago. I went on holiday and also had a modelling job abroad. I weighed up my options but, once I came to Crewe, that made my decision a lot easier.

"I will benefit from the quality coaching here and hope that will improve me as a player.

"I just want to give myself the best possible chance. Had I stayed semi pro, I would have been staying in my comfort zone and I might have regretted that. I don't want to live with any regrets."

Mitchel-King, who can play in the centre of midfield or defence, played 163 games for Histon in three-and-a-half years after moving from Mildenhall Town.

That included captaining the team last year as they knocked Swindon and Leeds out of the FA Cup and reached the Blue Square Premier play offs.

His career off the pitch has also been a success. He has contacted modelling agencies in the north, but will limit jobs to his days off and the close season.

He said: "At 16 I was scouted on Oxford Street by a modelling agency and my first job was for Armani. I thought I was going to be a millionaire in my first year, but it didn't work out like that.

"I am Rio Ferdinand's official body double, I think my rates are a bit cheaper than his."

Mitchel-King played largely in a midfield anchor role last season but is equally at home at the back.

He becomes Crewe's second recruit from Histon, joining Patrick Ada, who can also play at centre back or as a holding midfielder.

Mitchel-King added: "In non-league you tend to have to earn the right to play your football. I'm sure League Two will be similar because it will sometimes be a battle and you will have to earn the right to play."