Former Port Vale goalkeeper joins World Wrestling Entertainment

Former Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson has announced that he is joining the WWE.

Chester-born Tomlinson brought his footballing career to an end in July after suffering a knee ligament injury.

However, he is now poised to return to professional sport by linking up with America's largest wrestling franchise.

The 28-year-old said that he plans to start out on WWE NXT, before working his way onto Smackdown or Raw.

@shaunstafford @WWE cheers BROTHER gotta start at NXT first and work my way UP, one does not simply walk into SMACKDOWN or RAW.

— Stuart (@stutomo) December 8, 2013

Tomlinson made over 100 Football League appearances during spells at Vale, Crewe Alexandra and Burton Albion.