A 13 year old only just introduced to football by my younger brother, Ryan who aged 8 had already won Player Of The Season award twice, I was talked into joining Barnoldswick Barons under 14s.

Three weeks later and I was subbed on in the first match of the season and played on the left side of midfield. I was a little uneasy about this as I was useless with my left foot but professionally I carried on and played until the end. I didn't do much, I was too nervous but I was congratulated after the match on my tracking back and pace.

The next match saw me start in goal against all my school mates who played for Barlick Town. Disaster. I let 4 goals in in the first half before being switched to left back. Again I was on the left and it wasn't long before I'd sent a player clattering to the floor and he went off injured.

The rest of the season was good for me as I cemented my place at l;eft back with my left foot improving all the time but my heading still needed improvment and that was probably the reason that I was replaced for the latter part of the season by a new player, Tleft-footed Tom Timmins, who got his chance while I was out injured after being attacked and having my head put through a window by a madman.

The season finished and we were third to bottom but that didn't bother me as I'd enjoyed my first season.

After the summer break I came back fit and reearing to go and got a chance playing in midfield in the friendly matchs and played really well and was looking forward to playing there in the league but then, in training one day, we were told that the club were packing in. I was left eithout a club and am still searching.

accystankev