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When Sam Saunders took the plunge and launched a swimwear line he wasn't sure whether they would sell enough shorts to stay afloat.

The Brentford midfielder, along with former Birmingham and Aston Villa defender Liam Ridgewell and John Terry, have swapped balls for pools in an attempt to make a splash in the fashion world with designer brand Thomas Royall.

Saunders and boyhood pal Ridgewell decided to dip their toes into the clothing industry while the Bees star was stuck on the treatment table with a long-term knee injury.

Fast forward 12 months and Chelsea captain Terry has jumped on board and their shorts can now be seen in the shop windows of department stores Harvey Nichols and Harrods.

(Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror) (Image: Instagram/johnterry.26) (Image: Twitter/liam_ridgewell)

It was all a pipe dream for the former London Underground engineer, who didn't turn professional until his twenties after doing the rounds on the non-league circuit.

However, the trio are now in knee deep and are starting to reap the benefits.

Bees stalwart Saunders, 32, said: "When we first started we just planned to sell a few pairs of shorts online, but it’s snowballed and we’ve got a full range out and are taking orders from all over the world.

(Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror)

(Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror)

“A new business is always a risk - it still is. You have to put a lot of money up front and don’t see the benefits until months down the line.

“In the beginning we couldn’t afford to employ anyone on a full-time basis, so I was packing the orders myself. It was difficult when you have to run down the post office to make sure you send orders off in time after a tough day’s training.

“But I didn’t want to come out of football and have to work for someone else. Things have taken off and the business is going from strength to strength.

(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror)

"It's still a juggling act combining football and running a business. You have to prepare a year in advance for a new range, looking at designs and organising photo shoots, so it’s all a challenge."

Saunders, who recently made his 200th Brentford appearance, is still involved in the day-to-day running of the business, but Ridgewell’s role is less hands-on since his move to MLS outfit Portland Timbers, although he still gets his hands dirty during the off-season.

However, ex-England defender Terry, 35, has provided support since he decided to invest in the company after ordering a pair of the shorts online.

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(Image: instagram/willianborges88) (Image: Twitter/WayneRooney)

“I was walking along in Westfield and I got a notification that John Terry had bought some shorts,” Saunders recalls. “My teammate Harlee Dean has the same agent as John, and he was really complimentary about the product.

“He was keen to speak to me when he got back from holiday about the brand and after a few meetings he’s got involved. He’s been brilliant and has got some great contacts.”

Saunders rejected a move to Tampa Bay Rowdies in January - the NASL outfit who eventually signed Joe Cole instead - and still has 12 months to run on his contract at Griffin Park.

(Image: Getty)

The former Dagenham midfielder has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon, but admits the growth of Thomas Royall could eventually force his hand.

He added: “There would be no better way to call time on my career than if this business required all of my attention, rather than going on trial somewhere trying to win a contact to make ends meet and support my family.

“Football has a funny way of spitting you out when you least expect it, and if I finish playing before football is finished with me due to the growth of Thomas Royall I would be delighted."

Danielle Stacey's fashion verdict

Forget block colours, one of this season's biggest swimwear trends is prints and the bolder, the better.

A common theme on the SS16 catwalks was botanical, think soft florals, leaf print motifs and course, butterflies, as seen on the likes of Gucci, Topman Design, James Long and Richard James.

(Image: Thomas Royall)

While we'd advise that the more mature customer should stick to plain designs (David Cameron, we're looking at you) the relaxed fit of these shorts will take you from the beach to the pool party.

Team with a plain white tee for the day and swap for a chambray shirt in the evening.

The brand already has an A list following, with former footballer turned model Stephen James Hendry having modelled their designs.

* Thomas Royall’s SS16 collection is on sale now.