Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee insists he is not ready to hang up his gloves yet, despite making strides in preparing for life after football.

The 31-year-old, who has more than 200 Premier League and Football League appearances to his name scooped a first class honours degree in professional sports writing and broadcasting from the Open UUniversity last week.

Lee, who has struggled with a shoulder injury in recetn seasons, completed work placements with Bees Player, the Watford Observer, BBC London and the Daily Mail as part of the two-year PFA-backed degree.

But the former Watford shotstopper is not planning for a career change any time soon with the Championship kicking off with Charlton Athletic at Griffin Park on August 9.

“I was absolutely delighted to learn that I received a first-class degree, but it was anything but a walk in the park, " he said.

"It also gave me something to channel my energy into away from football, particularly while I was out last year with a shoulder injury.

“The course requires players to attend one day per month during the season to fit around their training schedule.

"This reverts to a period of time studying full-time during the close season, which enables players to complete a number of workplace-based assignments.

“For me, the most challenging module was in Sports Law, as we had to produce a paper on negligence in sport, which covers a myriad of things.

"The course also enabled me to rub shoulders with other sporting names, including Fabrice Muamba, who I met several times during my course. It was a win-win all round."

Alex Prtichard scored a brace - one from a free-kick - and striker Andre Gray one as Brentford beat French side OGC Nice at Griffin Park on Saturday.

The young Tottenham Hotspur loanee has only been with his new club for a week, but proved he is settling in well.

“It was brilliant to score, especially the free kick,” he told Bees Player.

“I practice and work on free kicks and it just happens.

“I am enjoying every moment. I am still fitting in and getting to know the staff, but I am enjoying it so far.”