In front of the cameras, in a local derby, he scored the winner within 15 minutes of coming onto the pitch at my old club Newport.
As he celebrated in front of the travelling faithful, his sense of relief, progression and euphoria was palpable. He has endured a tough time.
At the age of 16, he was released by Fulham after the pandemic and after being the top scorer in his age group season after season since he was aged seven. He expected a scholarship. He was devastated to be let go.
He travelled the country being turned down by club after club. Blackpool, West Brom, Bournemouth - he attended 'trials', he was overlooked.
Cracker
This story is from the February 02, 2025 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 02, 2025 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BOSS WHING SALUTES HIS BLUEBIRDS' FIGHTBACK
ANDY Whing believes his Barrow side are going from strength to strength after battling back from a two-goal deficit to draw with promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
HATTERS & RAMS SEEK TO SURVIVE
WHEN Portsmouth beat Leeds 1-0 a fortnight ago, John Mousinho’s side surged ten points clear of the drop zone.
BAILEY'S STUCK ON SIDELINES
UNLUCKY Lincoln forward Bailey Cadamarteri is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a groin injury.
Holloway: My Robins better than Three Lions!
IAN HOLLOWAY says he prefers watching his Swindon side over England after blasting the Three Lions' 2-0 win over Albania as “crap” and “absolute garbage”.
CHALLY: THAT WAS NEVER A PENALTY
STOCKPORT County boss Dave Challinor left Wrexham fuming at the officials' performance in their defeat in North Wales.
GREAT SCOTT! DOYLE HANDS THE RETURNING BOSS A DREAM START
SCOTT Lindsey enjoyed the perfect homecoming as Kamari Doyle's goal sunk Bristol Rovers to end Crawley's eight-game winless run.
NEIL AND CIRKIN TO WAIT ON DEALS...
SUNDERLAND duo Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil will not sign new deals before the end of the season.
MUSTAPHA CONCERN
PLYMOUTH are sweating on the fitness of striker Mustapha Bundu after he suffered an injury on international duty.
Classy Aaron can proudly bow out
ARON Ramsey desperately wanted the fairytale ending. So, too, the Cardiff supporters who welcomed him back as a returning hero, battle-scarred and weary but determined to soldier on.
SWANS ARE HAPPY TO HAVE ALAN TO THE END
INTERIM boss Alan Sheehan looks set to remain in charge at Swansea until the end of the season.
