Kieffer Moore has done his homework and spells out his ambitions for Wales, Wrexham and life after scoring goals.
Kieffer Moore has had plenty to learn during his career.
From part-time footballer to the World Cup and everything in between, there have been a fair few classes to move through.
Now he has got a scroll to show for it as the striker aims for the boardoom once the boots are hung up.
That is still some time off as far as Moore is concerned, especially when you consider the limitless ambition at new club Wrexham and, on the Wales front, there is another World Cup appearance still to fight for.
But in preparation for the long-term future, Moore has added a gown to his 51 caps after graduating from the Professional Footballers' Assocation Business School with a diploma in sport directorship.
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"I don't want to retire some day and have the feeling of not wanting to do something or not being able to stay active," Moore said.
"I want to remain in football and going into a director role or similar really appeals to me. I've always loved the intricacies of how football clubs are run. So doing this [degree] was a gateway, if I get the opportunity."
Moore has been at enough clubs to learn about the trade. His journey began at semi-pro level with Paignton Saints, Truro City and Dorchester, where wages had to be supplemented with jobs outside football including, famously, as a lifeguard.
But he moved his way through the leagues, winning promotion to the Premier League with both Bournemouth and Ipswich before missing out on a third elevation to the top tier, with Sheffield United, in last year's play-off final.
"It feels like I've moved everywhere," he smiles after 14 transfers.
"I like to think the highs and lows and multiple experiences I've gone through, from non-league all the way up, has given me a clear picture on what it takes for teams to get promoted - or even relegated.
"It sets me apart from others that haven't had the same experiences. It's a bit of a journey from a lifeguard, but long may it continue."
Joining Wrexham's new class
Moore has not yet thought about where any post-playing job would be.
He jokes that had he started the directorship course - "two years and very demanding like any education" - sooner, he could have looked after his own contract talks this summer when he joined Wrexham.
Moore was among 13 summer signings, and while a fourth successive promotion may prove too much to ask, the club's ambition is obvious.
"The sky is the limit. You only to look at what's happened over the last few years, the stand they're building and infrastructure being put in place," he said.
"The club is definitely destined for the Premier League. When a club comes up from League One and spends £30m it shows the intent of what they want to achieve."
Moore appears perfectly suited to Phil Parkinson's team, as indicated by five goals in 10 appearances so far that have helped fill the void left by the departure of fan-favourite Paul Mullin, who has left for Wigan having previously been Wrexham's key striker.
Moore's encouraging start to life in north Wales has come while trying to ignore the documentary cameras following every day's work at Wrexham, from training ground to dressing room.
"There's a bit of added pressure with the attention the club gets, but I've always loved having that burden of responsibility and think it's a massive honour," he said.
"The people we've brought in are exceptional. It's taking us a bit of time to hit our stride but when everything comes together, we'll creep up that table."
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World Cup target
The Hollywood factor at Wrexham is alluring but Moore had another motivation to make the £2m move from Sheffield United happen.
The goal is not only reaching a third major finals with Wales, but to make an impression in USA, Mexico and Canada next year.
"With the World Cup, I needed to make sure that I was at the best club to fit my profile, to be in the best headspace I could possibly be and really bring the best out myself," he said.
"I want to help us get to the World Cup and, once we're there, to have a big impact."
Moore aims to add to his two goals in this qualifying campaign - including in last month's win over Kazakhstan - when Wales face in Belgium on Monday knowing victory would mean a giant stride towards a second successive World Cup appearance.
Another goal would no doubt have the fans singing Moore's name.
Given his new graduate status, they will just have to remember to put letters after it.
Category: General Sports
