It was approaching the twilight of Kyle's career in 2014 that he was discovered working on board a fleet of vessels in the Shetland Islands. And it involved undertaking thankless tasks such as stacking stock and cleaning lavatories for offshore labourers.

The Daily Record contacted Kyle, 45, for comment at the time. His response was understandably brief as he said simply: "I'm trying to provide for my family."

Twelve years ago, the former Rangers striker brought his football career to an end at Newton Stewart. He netted a hat-trick in his sole outing for the side, the 11th of his career, before confirming his retirement soon afterwards.

During that period, he was photographed working on a former ferry, the Regina Baltic. The vessel had been converted into a 'floating hotel', offering lodging for offshore workers.

Kyle, who has since built a thriving career in podcasting, had performed in England's top division at his professional peak but also battled a serious gambling addiction. It was reported he would routinely spend £7,000 weekly on wagers during his highest-earning years.

He also insisted reports of his maximum salary were vastly inflated.

"I don't miss playing football but I find it difficult to adjust to the feelings of people judging you for what you do. When you leave football, you tell people you're a taxi driver and people say, 'What the f*** are you doing that for?'

"When really, if I'd turned round and said I was a coach at Hearts' youth team, people would say, 'Superb'. But that coach might only be earning £12,000 a year, training the kids one night a week. That won't pay the bills in my life."

Kyle became part of the Open Goal podcast in 2018 and established himself as a consistent presence on the programme for years. He has subsequently broadened his media commitments and now also works as a mental health speaker to assist others by sharing his own journey.