That time of the year many players dread
Hi, I hope you're all well.
This can be a very cruel time of the season for a lot of players. It is a time when clubs are starting to make decisions on which players will be released and who will be retained.
For young players in particular, the disappointment of being told that they will be in the former category can cause them to turn their backs on football.
If any of these lads are in need of inspiration, then they need look no further than a trio of my former Peterborough United team-mates - George Boyd, Aaron Mclean and Craig Mackail-Smith (pictured above). All three were released from Football League clubs at a young age. However, rather than consign themselves to a lifetime of bitterness and hard luck tales, they worked hard at their game and paved the way for a return to League football with Peterborough by excelling at non-league level.
When I was at Peterborough, Craig Mackail-Smith, in particular, struck me as being one of the hardest workers I have ever come across. He himself might admit that he is not as technically gifted as other players. However, he has worked hard at every aspect of his game - physical, technical and even mental - in order to establish himself as a league player.
This level of determination and his refusal to let the disappointment of being released get the better of him has certainly earned my admiration and with Peterborough seemingly heading for Championship status, I am sure that he will continue to get the success that all his commitment deserves.
It just goes to show that it is not always the most talented players who make a career in the game. On a lot of occasions it is the guys who can handle adversity and come back stronger who are the ones who go on to make a living from football.
During my time at Hartlepool United we had many talented youngsters who for whatever reason got released from the club. My advice to the ones who I genuinely thought had a chance of forging a career was to go on trial to as many clubs as possible, so they could at least say they have given it their best shot and avoid having regrets of not doing so in later life.
There is one common aspect that links the three Peterborough players and also for that matter the majority of players who make the switch from non- league. They are all goal scorers, or in George Boyd's case, a very special creator of goals. No matter what level you play at, if you have a habit of sticking the ball in the back of the net, clubs will take notice.
In the past, I have tended to take no more than a passing interest in non-league football, but as a 30-year-old League Two player, have now reached a stage in my career where this has begun to change.
Don't get me wrong, I am not throwing in the towel on my League career just yet. I am still convinced that as long as I can stay fit I can be a valuable asset at League Two level for a few years yet. Especially as I now consider myself to be a master in the lower league art form of "hooking it on", which is basically a midfielder smashing a bouncing ball as far as he can up field. However, the time when I will be forced to think about going into non-league football is obviously getting closer.
What has become clear to me as a result of speaking to friends involved in the non-league scene, is that dropping out of League football does have its advantages.
I have lost count the number of times colleagues have told me of obscure non-league outfits offering ridiculous amounts of money for players. Unfortunately, footballers do have a habit of exaggerating stories, and I have learned to take these tales with a pinch of salt!
However, there is no doubt that there is a decent living to be made in the non- league game, especially if you are combining it with the income from another job. In that respect, I know of some non-league players who have turned down offers by League clubs, not only for financial reasons but also because they enjoy having the balance of two occupations and not being quite so much at the mercy of the many uncontrollable facets of being a professional footballer.
When I play against non-league teams, it never ceases to amaze me just how many names I recognise. With the credit crunch beginning to have an affect on the squad sizes of league clubs, there will no doubt be many more familiar faces plying their trade at non-league level in the near future.
In terms of the quality of football, the gap between League Two and the Blue Square Premier is negligible. The biggest difference is possibly fitness, but I have to concede this was not apparent when Kettering Town, Notts County's FA Cup second round opponents this season, took us to a replay and knocked us out of the competition. The vast majority of that Kettering team had bags of League experience, which meant that for all intents and purposes it was like watching a League Two game.
The Blue Square Premier, in particular. is receiving a lot more exposure, thanks to their TV deal with Setanta. There are some big clubs with matching fan bases in this league, like Oxford United and Wrexham, who are desperate to regain League status.
A good friend of mine, the ex-Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers defender John Curtis (pictured right), has just signed with Wrexham until the end of the season and I know he is very enthusiastic about the set-up there. We actually had a chat about it last week when his car pulled up alongside mine in a traffic jam on the A6006 near Nottingham, as we were travelling to our respective clubs for training, and it was interesting to note how upbeat he is about this new phase in his career.
It was another reminder that professional footballers genuinely love playing the game, irrespective of the level they do so. That is certainly the case with me.
Hello, I'm Gavin Strachan. I describe myself as a "journeyman" player after 13 years in the game as a professional. I'm currently between clubs, having been released by Notts County. I'm also studying journalism and the aim of my blog is to provide an insight into the life of a footballer.
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Morning Gavin
Always read your blog. As usual it makes intersesting reading.
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Always a fascinating blog, great insight into a world that seems a long way from Premier league peacocks crashing Ferraris and earning millions - but somehow your world is much more appealing.
I love the way you always highlight areas of football that us armchair pundits are generally unaware of. With most of us supporting local teams as well as Premier League ones, these issues are probably the most real and important to us.
Keep up the good work!
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Echoing what's normally said, excellent blog mate.
Here's a question though, a former Charlton player who could be described as being pretty similar to yourself in that you would typecast him as a 'journeyman' Garry Nelson. He worte a couple of books in the nineties 'left foot forward' and 'left foot in the grave'. Have you read either of these, you're subject matter follows a very similar vein that's all. Anyway in one of these he describes one of his duties as the PFA rep was to explain to the apprentices the benefits of joining the PFA because only a small percentage of them will be offered deals come the end of their apprenticeship, and they may have to think about a life outside of football early on. How the PFA could help them with educational courses and the like in the event of the dream falling apart.
Apparently he was greeted with a series of blank stares and questions from the young would-be superstars like 'can the PFA get me cheap insurance on my GTi'? It must be noted though, that Lee Bowyer would have been amongst this group so hardly surprising!
Now I can't see with mindsets like this that many young men who have their heart set on a career in the pro game starting in the top two tiers of English football would have the work ethic and heart to put themselves about in the way you mention. However I agree that the players who drop a level or 3 to get playing regularly will eventually rise back up to find their level. McLean, Mackail-Smith and George Boyd are prime examples.
Michael Turner, Barry Fuller, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Danny Shittu are a few examples just off the top of my head from Charlton who have gone on and forged and begun to forge promising careers.
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Fancy a crack at coaching when you're done, Gavin ?
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Gavin, great blog!
Please elaborate on your mention of "hooking it on" are you serious? Seems a strange skill to have highlighted as a key one when we all know you have to be a pretty gifted footballer even to play in League 2. Surely there are other skills you would value more which also fall into the "experience" category, would be interested to see what you think those are too.
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Interesting you mentioned Notts County's defeat against Kettering. As you say, it was pretty much a 'like for like' match but it still amazes me how journos and indeed the BBC still describe such results as 'shocks' or 'upsets'.
As you say, there is virtually zero gap in quality between lower league and upper non-league these days. I reckon it's a combination of lazy journalism and the increasing obsession with everything Premier League (ignoring everything else) that causes the myth to continue.
Also, as a non-league player myself (albeit a bit further down the pyramid) I'm well aware that players in the Blue Square and even Ryman Prem turn down offers to go full-time because it would mean them taking a pay cut. That's been going on for years.
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Hey Gav
as a Kiddermintster Harriers fan i totally agree that even though we're labelled "non-league" the standards of our football has improved greatly over the last 10 years.
Now big sides like Oxford, Camebridge, Wrexham are now discovering that the gap they once had over the likes of us, Histon and Burton isn't as vast as it used to be.
The conference is a great league. And unfortunately, the Football League protects itself by only relegating 2 from the end of Div 2 and promoting 2 of us. I shouldnt complain because it was a 1 up 1 down setup for YEARS! But it still doesnt seem fair, especially when its 4 up 4 down from Div 1 to Div 2.
I think the quality of the conference continues to grow and i hope soon it will be a fairer 3 up 3 down setup so that clubs that hang-on to football league status despite being financially fragile drop down to give solid little clubs a shot at league status.
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Hi Gavin
Great blog once again. Always makes for an interesting read and as
a professional player here in South Africa, I can relate to what you
metion in all your blogs.
Is there anyway to contact you via email or through the bbc for them to forward it on, if I have a personal question?
Thanks and look forward to the next blog.
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Hi Gavin, very insightful blog as always,
i'm a Liverpool fan but also spent alot of time watching/following my 4 local(ish) teams, Carlisle Utd, Barrow, Morecambe,
its very interesting to see how well newly promoted teams do in league two, look at macclesfield a few years ago (think they went straight up again, Wycombe did the same, Barnet)
Morecambe are a great example, a few years ago they were a mid-table conference side, now they are knocking on the door of the league two play-offs with a new all seater stadium planned, a good mixture of youth and expirience in the squad, just shows what can be done with excellent planning and application from the top down, from the directors, coaches, players and fans
keep up the good work gavin!!
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Hiya mate,
just wondering, does the option of going playing abroad not come into your thoughts? Obviously you still "av it in you" to keep playing and an adventrue across seas for a year or so is possible. The route of the US seems to be a likely choice for many. Would'nt a year in America be more attractive than a year Mansfield (no disrespect to them)??
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Hey Gavin,
Hope you enjoyed your run out at the home of football, Dean Court. I still remember fuming about the last time (I think) you were down here and scored a beauty of a free kick to equalise in the last minute when we all thought we had the game won.
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Hi Gavin,
Another excellent blog.
It is good to know that players who have played at some sort of level just don't give up.
When I was younger, myself and the group I ran about with were with pro clubs from the Scottish first to the third division - we all got released age 20 or thereabouts.
However, instead of packing in the game, a few of us ended up at a top amateur side, unfortunately in the second string as we were deemed not ''academic'' enough to play for the first team ie we never went to university, strange I know...in a bizarre twist, the second team was stronger and better than the flagship first team. Hard to explain, although, the second team progressed to promotion and various cup runs.
My only wish is that I could have had the resources I have at my disposal now, back then. Would've saved my dad and I posting a letters with my football c.v. to various clubs :)
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
MOP13
http://manonplatform13.blogspot.com/
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best blog yet Gav - quality stuff....
i couldn't agree more with the statements about the "most talented" players not necessarily being the ones that make it into professional football... however what the guys that make it (like you) do have is either fantastic talent or a fantastic attitude or a very good mix of both... sadly lots of the better players growing up that would be "very talented" but not quite "fantastic" then simply believe that they can get by on their talent alone... and seldom realise that even the "fantastic" talents still work very hard (we have all heard the stories about Zola, Bergkamp, Cantona, etc being on the training ground practising freekicks, etc after everyone else has gone).
On another note mate - get that picture changed of you - you look like a history teacher.... take it down and sort out your barnet! :)
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I read an excellent article about the work that Glenn Hoddle is doing in an academy he has set up in Spain. Many clubs are releasing YTS players around 17 and 18 years of age as they have made a decision not to give them senior contracts. Glenn Hoddle feels that is too early and clubs are letting young players go before they have had chance to blossom into the players that they could become. He gives Ian Wright as an example who became a professional football after being spotted playing in a park at 21. A player of that age will develop at different rates and giving a player an extra 6-8 months can make a big difference. He sets up annual trials for these players and the “best” receive an extra years coaching in Spain and the academy will then try to sell them back to the clubs at the end of the year. I think he is dead right and it is a brilliant idea.
But even so as you pointed out even a player rejected from this does not need to give up and through hard work and dedication who knows what they can achieve.
http://www.glennhoddleacademy.com/
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Now we are in Europe it's daft if all of these players are lost. Especially the young ones.
Over here (Sweden) there are plenty of lower level clubs who could be interested in a young British lad - and that's got to be better than just calling it a day.
It must be the same in some other EU countries where population levels are pretty low but there is a good solid league structure?
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really good blog, again. interesting comments from a few here. have to say i'd forgotten all about john curtis, him and deano will do a good job for wrexham i'm sure.
i think there is good news hidden away here - the actual standard of footall will increase. as some of these undoubtably talented youngsters drop down divisions, their play can inform those around them, and hopefully the professionalism that comes from being trained at a championship/premiership club can proliferate at the clubs they end up at - as can training techniques etc.
it's not just the players as well - i have a funny feeling there will be a few more big clubs down there soon enough.
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Hello Gav,
I am a West Ham supporter but I have become disappointed with the greed of the premiership and the change to the Stadia. I have returned to my football supporting past by returning to Aldershot now know as Aldershot town. It is a good level of football and can equal the premier in terms of passion if not skill. I am pleased that one of our former players was mentioned in your blog and that he is doing well. It is nice to see former players doing well at a higher level of football. I am sure that you will consider lower league football when your time comes and hopefully you will pass on what you have learnt to the younger members of that squad. A position in coaching must also be upper thought in your mind again following in your dads footsteps?
Ian
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Gav, great blog once again.
When you hear of players talking about insane money in non-league they are probably telling the truth, but clubs who pay these sort of wages usually end up in big trouble when the sugar daddys get bored (Weymouth being the latest example of over ambiton and insane spending). Only a side like AFC Wimbledon can sustain it due to the massive crowds they get. They will be a football league team in 3 years no doubt about it.
You can also understand why some pleayers would rather balance ending their career at a part time club and having a day-job too. Lower league players cannot earn enought to support them forever (unlike the top-players) so it seems extremely sensible to train in another proffesion whilst still playing part-time, rather than play full time still and then have nothing once that comes to an end.
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Gavin, thanks for starting and writing this blog. It is, as everyone says, fascinating.
Now I have a question of a general nature: As lads, everyone supports a team and dreams of playing for that team. As some grow and move on to regular careers, the lucky few get to become professional footballers. How does their career affect who they support? The vast majority of football fans support their team for life, no matter what. Does the average professional footballer loose that once they are paid to play for a team? You never hear about players supporting one team or another. Sometimes, on TV, when a player scores you'll hear that he supported the opposing team as a lad. Does he not support them anymore?
This gives me admiration for players such as Matt Le Tissier who stayed when he could have gone, and the exact opposite for players who declare to be for one club through and through but soon move to another.
I'd be really interested to hear if players have that same passion that club supporters have, or if it disappears once their professional.
Thanks in advance.
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Good blog as always Gavin :)
You're point about exposure and sponsorship for the Blue Square Premier made me think, with the credit crunch hitting many clubs, would some lower league two clubs not be better off dropping down a division? With more sponsorship money from Blue Square and Setanta it may help to stabilise a financially struggling club.
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#7
I fully understand where you are coming from. Having watched a number of BSQ Premier matches this season thanks to Sultana, I don't believe that there is any gap in quality between them and League Two. In fact some matches, for entertainment, have surpassed some of the rubbish I have seen in League One.
As for 2 up 2 down, I believe, but may be wrong, that part of the problem is that some grounds in the BSQ are not up to the standard required by the Football League and promotion is not a foregone conclusion. Of course,I cannot believe that any Chairman would allow his club to win the BSQ and not be promoted because of the state of the ground, but stranger things have happened.
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there is no way that the players you have at notts county are any fitter than the players at cambridge united, or any of the other ex league clubs in bsp. no chance. were full time, professional and have an excellent fit team.
you only have to consider the teams promoted in recent years, exeter have largely the same team as last season, and no offence there a fair way ahead of notts county, morcemabe, also ahead of county, aldershot, also ahead.
kettering exposed the ignorance that bsp is worse than league 2 in ruthless style. i felt that day if notts county were in the bsp with there team at present they would be a playoff canditate and no more, in fact kettering were the better team that day.
Histon & burton have also exposed the myth that part time players are not fit as well.
the major difference between the leagues is at the top, clearly brentford et al are a fair bit better than bsp clubs, but as for the rest i doubt it!
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Now we are in Europe it's daft if all of these players are lost. Especially the young ones.
Over here (Sweden) there are plenty of lower level clubs who could be interested in a young British lad - and that's got to be better than just calling it a day.
It must be the same in some other EU countries where population levels are pretty low but there is a good solid league structure?
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oh pretty funny. Thats what exactly what i did. It was a great experince and one i gald i did. I now live in norway and have learnt new langauges ie. swedish and norwegian. However it was not that glamorous. I have played for many clubs in scandavia some in the first tier but most for part time clubs. When playing for part time clubs the club is responisble for getting you work in that town. So you have to do all sort of crazy jobs. i remember once i was a dish washer repair man, nothing strange about that apart from the fact i have no clue how to fix them. I was to prtend that i was this great repair man from England. I would go into a pub kitchen see the dishwasher take about ten minutes looking at it, say i think its someting, then i would take it apart wash it put it back together and hope it works. if not i would say nothing can be done you need a new one. Enough to say i hated this job and many others i did but this is thr price to pay when your not a wayne rooney.
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Very interesting blog Gavin.
I can emphasise with alot of players in the lower leagues who are released thinking that they're finished and this isn't always the case. Regardless of the recession there are a few team in the lower league in Scotland and even one or two SPL teams who are preparing to rebuild the squads so i would recommend going on trial anywhere up here as there will be a better chance of players getting to prove themselves
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Hi Gavin as usual your posts are fantastic and a very enjoyable read. Its maybe worth pointing out that most of the clubs in Scotland will be struggling come summer and will offload many high earners. This should be ispiration to these players released as they can move quickly up the ranks providing they are prepared to suffer the horrible weather here. I know a club like Aberdeen of whom i support don't look down south due to the wage factor as much, i'm sure many would welcome trials as it saves money on scouting etc. All the best
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Great blog, Gavin has obviously inherited his intelligence from his old man. Add some modesty (somewhat missing in the parent) and you'll go a long way.
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About 14/15 years ago I was with my dad at a big youth tournament and we met a scout from Man United who my dad knew from his time in the game.
My dad asked him who to look out for and he said John Curtis. He absolutely raved about him.
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Afternoon Gav,
how about giving Scottish football a go or is this now a bit late in your career, would you think of playing for the likes of Caley or Dunfermilne, lower spl or higher up 1st division, The wages at this level are probably on a par with what you'r earning now.
cheers sone
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Thank you again Gavin for yet another insightful and interesting blog about "real" football. Kevin Keegan and Stuart Pearce spring to mind when you mentioned footballers coming through from humble teams to get to the top with a combination of determination and very hard work, rather than being blessed with obvious natural skills. I doubt that that pair would have become the players they were, had they been mollycoddled at Premiership level from their early teens. These guys lived in the real world, like yourself, 90% of footballers and most fans of the game.
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This is quality writing. Thank you.
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Just wanted to reply to bognor rock's comment. As an AFC Wimbledon fan, the reason we are able to afford to buy players from conference sides is due to donations to the club by a few individuals. We do get fairly large crowds for our level of fooball, on average 3500+ this season, but most of that money goes towards the loan we took out from barclays to pay for the ground.
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top man gav,your bang on with what your saying,some football league players are better cos they get more time on the ball.a top blog again,ps theres always tv when you stop playing (although some would say you have never started) only joking.
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As a non league fan of Colwyn Bay (current captain - ex Tranmere long throw specialist Davey Challinor), I love non-league football. You get a great level of camaraderie between fans and players that you wouldn't get at a higher level club, and whilst we're gutted if we lose on Saturday, we're not emotionally crippled like some of my Man United supporting friends!
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Hi Gavin,
Another interesting blog from your goodself, those journalism studies are certainly paying off!
You mention that a decent living can be made in the non- league game, especially by combining it with the income from another job. Is that something you are planning to do with journalism?
I have recently graduated with a journalism degree myself but have found opportunities to be limited, many of my local newpapers are actually making redundancies in light of the current economical climate. I am starting to look towards the digital side of media myself for work.
You clearly have the desire to play on as look as possible but i'd be interested to hear what your plans are when you HAVE to hang up the boots?
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Hi Gav,
always read the blog and this is the first time I've commented.
You was at the quiz night other night. I just wondered how your team did?
My team came third with admittedly no help from myself.
Also, just wondered how you get into the academies these days?
I am a young player with time to improve but whichever amateur team I play at the scouts don't seem to be there.
Thanks
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Excellent blog! Why not sign for Blyth Spartans?? We're a cracking team with great ambition (although currently languishing at the bottom of the Blue Square North). We're in a lovely part of the world too... looking forward to your next blog sir.
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#25
We wont the conference back in 1990's and werent allowed up because our ground wasnt up to spec. This was made worse by the fact that 1) the ground work was completed 2 weeks later, and ages before the start of the new season and 2) grounds already in the Div 4 as was didnt have to comply with the same criteria!!!
Seriously, we have a nice ground and any away fan or league blog will tell you what a nice ground it is. Then you look at grounds like Field Mill in Mansfield (who were div 2 not long ago) and they have a completely closed stand which looks derelict and in danger of falling down!
How can league clubs get away with this "protect our own" mentality!
And thanks for your comments on BSQ - i love Santa's coverage of our games, especially when a club hardman is being interviewed mid-game whilst being stiched up on the sidelines! If Ronaldo took some of the hits our guys take he'd need rehab!
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Mate, Your team is pants and you look like Frodo from Lord of the Rings! Super Brentford FC all the way!
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Fully agree TheHarrier.
It's so refreshing to watch a match where players are allowed to tackle properly. I have seen some players get serious shin tremblers and just get straight up, no of this rolling around as if felled by a sledgehammer.
Keep up the good work Setanta - heard some choice descriptions during managers interviews that have been priceless.
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Hi Gavin
Great blog as always.
Like Post 12 I hope you enjoyed your run out at Dean Court - 8 matches for Bournemouth in 4 weeks was a match too much for our lads.
While watching from the bench you may have seen Mark Molesley - signed on loan from Grays in October after spells at other lower teams (amongst them - Stevenage & Hayes) it's only now at 27 he's finally broke into the League and about time. One of the oldest players to make his full league debut!
MOM on Saturday and deservedly despite the result! - always hardworking, positive and looking to score from midfield - just shows you shouldn't give up if you're released or not given a contract at a younger age.
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post 42. Might have to try and get an audition then!.
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post 44. I have to agree with you . I thought Molesley was the best player on the pitch on Saturday. You will do well to hang on to him.
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post 39 . I think we came about 8th out of 32. Not bad for a bunch of footballers!. As for getting into academies you just have to try and play as many matches as possible and hope that somebody notices you and invites you for a trial.
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post 38. At the moment I am just trying to cover as many bases as possible. Do the journalism degree, take coaching badges and see what comes up. The main thing at the moment is to concentrate on my football and play for as long as I can.
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post 32. Would never rule out playing in Scotland again one day. I had a great time there with Dundee. So we will wait and see what happens in the future.
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Dear Gavin;
Your blog is wonderful. Believe it or not, I was lecturing in Edinburgh whilst trying to crack Hearts reserves. I liked your comment about having a habit of sticking the ball in the back of the net--that was one of my qualities, together with pace on and off the ball.
My question for you is as follows: Do you find that your studies in journalism and/or the time you spend researching and writing your blogs detracts from, or conversely contributes to (i.e., through relaxation), your career as a footballer? While I was finishing my Ph.D., I found that football was a welcome distraction; now that I am a Professor (hence my odd screen name--no, I'm not a professional striker!), I find that I can't always make enough time for football. I've taken a different route: I am a full time professor, but am working on coaching badges and am already a goalkeeping coach. But sometimes--e.g., when traveling with the team--I am paying insufficient attention to my scholarship. I'm just wondering if you have weighed in your mind these countervailing claims on one's time, and whether you are already experiencing the strains of a dual career life! Incidentally, I am 30 years of age; but success as a Classics professor has eclipsed, at this point, any thought of football trials; I tried out Barnsley (where my uncle once plied his trade) but I just didn't have the fitness any more. When do you graduate? I have my team read your blog and the student-athletes gain a great deal of inspiration from you. I think Ged Dalton at Blyth Spartans is also a student (Sports Science at Scarborough, I think) and scored that lovely, full-of-effort volley to knock Bournemouth out of the FA Cup. I wonder whether he'll stick to his academic pursuits, or become a journeyman himself? Anyhow, keep it up!
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Living in Torquay and seeing the amount of ex-football league clubs in BSP and still all full-time you might as well call it league five.
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I have to say Gavin that your comment about the gap between L2 and the Non-League is one which is commonly said but is misconceived. Having seen my club Barnet go up between the leagues there are massive differences, especially between the teams in the bottom half of the leagues. L2 is much much more organised and tight in terms of time and space available on the ball. There are also far fewer weak links in each team to exploit. If you play down there any time soon you'd certainly find it much easier I think.
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Hey Gav,
Great blog as always. My question regards the recent furore concernign WADA's drug testing recommendations and FIFA's refusal of them. My mates and I were discussing this issue, and there weres some who felt that football is alot to do with speed and fitness, which could greatly be aided by drugs/steroids, while some others felt that its a much more technical and team sport, hence the rewards of illegal performance enhancing drugs are nothing like those that would be obtained by a swimmer or a sprint athlete for example. One lad stated that players like Ledley King having painkilling injections before each game is in fact use of performance enhancing drugs. What's your take on the prevalence of drugs in British sport given your first hand view of the game?
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Hey
First time reading you blog i think it gives a good insite into lower league football.
As i Morecambe fan myself i go and watch League two games often. also as a Morecambe fan i have witnessed them go to Wembley , Pleasure to say i have walked up them step to overlook that magnificent stadium. I believe that Setanta has worked wonders on promoting the talent in non-league football. For a small example of Morecambe at wembley with Danny Carlton goal. Voted next to Wayne Rooney's lob against Newcastle as North West goal of the season.
Things that i do not agree with though are the fact that "big" teams come along and take these players with minimal amounts of money paid to these clubs. Just wondered what you though about this?
Cheers
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Gavin:
Interesting perspective as usual.
I was wondering what the thoughts are of players in the
Coca-Cola League set up about playing in the MLS in the US.
Apart from the designated player for each club (Beckham,Donovan,
Blanco, Angel, Ljungberg) the salaries are pretty conservative.
While most of the better young US national players look to Europe to
prove themselves, do British players who have been in the League set up
for a number of years look to the states as a legitimate option?
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re post 42 , gavin , why even bother commenting on such garbage
re post 51 , totally agree BSqL is effectively League 3
re post 54 , totally agree , having supported notts for 33yrs I found myself living in stevenage 10yrs ago with a young family unable to attend many notts games , so I found myself taking my son to the mighty stevenage borough , well in the last 3 years they have had a good run , the first cup final at the "new" wembley , when they won the FA Trophy in 2007 and guess what they're back again in 2009 and theres a reasonable chance they will be back at wembley the following week for the play off final - League 3 rocks , it is not the end of the world for professional footballers
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im going to a wide range of europeon countries for trials after being released from man city over a year ago, remember my name
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Post 14 about the players who make it not always being the best ones reminds me of the brother of a friend of my wife. He said he played for some excellent U15 team in Surrey years ago, used to win lots of youth tournaments, lots of scouts watched them all etc. They had a regular first 11 plus one kid who was not quite as good as the rest and was always the sub. Their coach said the one boy in the squad who he thought would make it as a pro was the boy who was always sub, because he always worked that bit harder than the rest and had just the right attitude and maturity. The team all found this a bit of a joke, but none of them made it and the sub, Gareth Southgate, did.
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Gavin,
splendid blog as usual. I don't follow religiously... but I used to read on and off while I was going through uni. Very insightful as usual. Keep up the good work!
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Hi Gavin.
I just stumbled across your blog and can't belive my eyes!
I was an academic researcher for 8 years. However, I often compared my career to that of a lower league or non-league football player / team. I can't belive how uncannily close your essay is to my own mindset.
For example, I completed my PhD on a part-time basis, funding myself as a busking musician. Despite my part-time status, I got quite a lot of work published, and I used to think of myself as a "plucky part-timer" in the mould of AFC Wimbledon.
After a couple of short-term academic posts, I too suffered the disappointment of not quite making the grade in my chosen career path, and have - like yourself - actually used the term "journeyman player" to describe my career, as I have roamed 6 different jobs ("clubs"!) Since 2003.
However, I am currently enjoying my new job which includes the type of practical research that I love to do, but none of the admin / bureaucracy of a real academic job. A bit like the situation of the well-paid non-league players you refer to!
Still, I plough on in my (public sector) career, daydreaming that perhaps one day, my accrued expertese in the "real world" may attract the attention of an academic institution, in a similar vein to the Peterborough United trio that you mention.
Right - I'm off to read your other posts! Would love to meet you for a beer one day!
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Plugging my own agenda here, has anyone read or heard of Garry Nelsons books? Would be surprised if any of the apparent ex and current semi-pros have not. The guy is high up in the PFA now. If you rate Mr Strachans blog those two books are well worth having a look at.
A funny thing also regarding the so-called lesser talented players, football is all about opinions and one mans treasure is another mans junk.
For some, Carlton Palmer epitomised a full blooded central midfielder whose value was appreciated, others will say Le Tissier should have played more often for the national side.
Fact is, if you are a youngster and you are not the step-over king but are in early for training everyday, are never making excuses and are prepared to make full use of your two ears and control the use of your one mouth invariably you will be viewed more favourably than a show pony.
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P.S. just realised you're studying journalism. One of my post-academic jobs was as a political journalist - would be happy to compare notes if you're interested. All the best with your studies, from a fellow journeyman!
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I know people who haven't made the cut in the English Leagues, and gone on to have good careers abroad playing football. England has ridiculously high standards of football, so I reckon for any young players who aren't tied down to family here, and aren't afraid of living in a different country, then they should have a look at foriegn options if they love playing football so much. Portugal has nice weather, and who knows, if they work hard enough they might get noticed by some clubs that regularly scout there looking for the next Figo's, Decos' and Ronaldo's.
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Another excellent article, Gavin.
I know it is a little bit of a tangent, but it is similar for model girls (and blokes). Obviously, if you look fabulous (like Ronaldo), it is easier to get bookings. However, if you are a good professional, you will usually find work. That means looking after yourself, watch what you eat, exercise, go to bed early, plan your schedule, be nice to people, especially the photographer. If you turn up after being up all night, pie-eyed, acting as if everybody should be priveleged to be allowed in the same room as you (there are those like that) then you are unlikely to last very long. An example was Samantha Fox: she was never the best-looking, but she was a total professional, and built a fine career.
As an old-stager, I am sure you feel the need to tell the youngsters that they have the responsibility to themselves to be as professional at they can be, but youngsters often know better.
I was impressed by #50. Does the Professor know any suitable quotes from Horace for those who have podospherian tendencies?
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RE: POST 42!!
I once got laid because the girl thought i looked like Frodo from Lord of The Rings!
Take it as a compliment Gav ;)
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Gav, I'm a Celtic fan from Glasgow who is currently living and working as a journalist in Hong Kong. Great blog as well. Any chance you might wanna come over to play for my pub team when your contract at Notts County finishes up? For the love of the game after all... I can't promise big money but I can promise sunshine and introduction to the Celtic Supporters Club where we can watch your old man having a go at the media week in week out! Talking of which, your dad's disdain of journalists like me is well reported - what does he think of your proposed future career in the media?
RE: Post 65 - genius. One ring to rule them all.
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Hi Gavin,
always enjoy reading your blog. I don't like the cheap laughs often derived from painting a picture of professional footballers as being thick. Your intelligent and clear thoughts always provide welcome evidence to the contrary. Thanks again for your insight.
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Magnifico.
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Hi Gavin
I always read your blog but this is the first time I have posted a message. You write really well and a lot better than most of the other BBC Sport bloggers on here! Keep up the good work I'm sure you'll have a great career in journalism once you hang up your boots. Maybe even a spot of punditry - ever thought about taking Linekers job on MOTD or would you prefer to cover lower league games on Setanta? (you may need to get a haircut!)
Thanks again for the interesting blogs and your unique football perspective.
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Good read again Gavin.
I watch a lot of league 2 football and i have to say that there is a lot of the term you describe as 'hooking it on'. And its undoubtedly a unique skill!
As for the difference between the lower leagues and higher leagues, it has to be goalkeeping and defending. I couldn’t count the amount of times ive erupted with laughter watching league 2 goal highlights, one excuse could be the poor pitches causing more bobbles and divots, but i think even that is a bit generous to some of the calamatous defending.
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Would love to see you in a Rotherham United shirt alex.you would be a great asset to the club, a true professional
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:-)
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I've just discovered this. A lot more interesting than the routine Premiership Porsche stuff - thanks and keep it up.
Gavin will be very aware of Paul Hartley, who was really pretty much of a journeyman winger till he moved down into a lower league at around 27. Then he changed position, joined Hearts (and later Celtic, the team he supported as a boy) and has never looked back - Scottish Cup wins, Championship medals, regular starter in the Scotland team and so on. Careers seem to be longer than they used to be too.
Plenty time yet.
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Motovational column,inspiring for the youngsters,found the "hooking it up" depressing.
Worthy of park football!
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Thanks for a great blog, Gavin. I'm relatively new to football, having been nagged into going to some Luton games by my boyfriend. But I am enjoying my new interest (despite Luton's fortunes) and your blogs are proving very useful in informing and updating me on the modern game in a very entertaining and readable way. Keep it up.
And I'm very well, thank-you, hope you are too!
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Gavin - I've been reading your blogs over the last few months, + really find your particular insight into the game very enlightening. I think that you are clearly clever like your Dad - he always had something interesting
+ original to say. I can quite see you moving into non-league football
in a few years time + combining it with a job in sport journalism.
I hope that SKY or the BBC will come in for you, you have lots to offer.
You are mild mannered + probably haven't got the killer instinct that your
father has, you are quite analytical + thoughtful that would work well on TV presentation work. Very good luck Gavin - will continue to read your blogs, + follow your future career moves with interest.
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Good blog Gavin, I too have read your posts with interest and it is interesting to see a perspective from the lower league footballer. Especially that i find mental toughness is just as important as technical ability in Leagues one & two. I hope the BBC come in for you if they nab the TV rights to the Football League one day as i would like to see live football from those leagues and more of it - if most of it was not moved from where it should be - 3pm on saturdays.
I Think if you keep on loving playing the game, ultimately it doesnt matter what level you play at as you said. Young players would do very well to learn off the likes of you mate in how to conduct yourself on & off the pitch.
Good Luck in future entries Gavin they are very good and hope you have many years left in the tank of playing our beautiful game.
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