To your friends you’re doing something they would love to be doing. Academy football is what every child wants to be a part of, or is it? 17-year-old Jeremy Wisten sadly took his own life over an October weekend. Speculated that it was after the depression of being released from Manchester City Academy. Just 17,Continue reading “Jeremy Wisten – A Tragic Loss!”
Author Archives: jjodonnell23
The Kick-up Challenge – Can you beat the boys I coach?
At my coaching academy, I have children ranging from ages 7-11. Every few weeks through the lock down period I have been setting them different challenges for them to complete at home. This week I set them a kick-up challenge. Here is what you have to do: Left-foot – Right-foot As many attempts can beContinue reading “The Kick-up Challenge – Can you beat the boys I coach?”
Match day Routine – Diary of a Kit Man’s day.
It is a very rare occurrence, a full-time footballer also being a full-time kit man. Not only do I have to concentrate on a match day from a playing perspective, I also have to make sure all the lads kit is right as well as sorting out all the match balls etc. So as wellContinue reading “Match day Routine – Diary of a Kit Man’s day.”
Season 2019-2020 – My most prolific goal scoring season in my career!
Speak to anyone at Gateshead Football Club in any previous season and they would tell you that you would struggle to find anyone worse at heading a football than myself. Fast forward to season 2019-2020 and scoring 8 goals in just over 22 games, most surprisingly half of the goals were with my head. SomethingContinue reading “Season 2019-2020 – My most prolific goal scoring season in my career!”
Carrow Road 2013 – My Greatest Day On A Football Pitch!
I rolled out of my bed at the luxurious Dunston Hall Hotel in Norfolk, pulled open the perfectly curtailed curtains and looked out the window as the snow gently settled on the most beautifully historic grade II listed building. The 26th January 2013, today was FA Cup 4th Round day, we had drawn Premier LeagueContinue reading “Carrow Road 2013 – My Greatest Day On A Football Pitch!”
Bad Injuries – Are players able to ever get back to their best?
Referee Brett Huxtable put the whistle to his lips. With one big exhale he blew it, I sunk to the floor. The 19th December 2014 – people remember birthday’s and anniversaries – to me that date will always live me. I didn’t just feel the 3-2 defeat away at Bristol Rovers , I sunk downContinue reading “Bad Injuries – Are players able to ever get back to their best?”
My Best XI – Players I Have Played Against!
From Academy days through to professional football, my career has seen me play against some great players. I have been lucky to share a pitch with some players that could be regarded as being among the best in the world. Here is who I think are the best XI I have played against! Goalkeeper –Continue reading “My Best XI – Players I Have Played Against!”
My Best XI – Players I Have Played With!
I have been blessed over my football career to share a pitch and changing room with some great players and great people. But who would I choose as the best XI I have played alongside. Goalkeeper – MARK TYLER ‘Tyles’ is the best keeper I have shared a pitch with. Playing alongside him atContinue reading “My Best XI – Players I Have Played With!”
The 2013-2014 Season- How It Changed My Life!
As I left Bedfordshire and headed up the A1 motorway on 17th January 2014, I didn’t realise I was making a journey that would change my life forever. Never had I moved away from home before, there isn’t much further you can get from Leighton Buzzard than Gateshead on an English map. Two weeks previousContinue reading “The 2013-2014 Season- How It Changed My Life!”
Corona Virus – Will football return before 2021?
Steps 3-7 of the football pyramid were expunged a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday (22nd April 2020), The National League cancelled all remaining fixtures to end Steps 1 and 2’s season. But, can football really return before 2021 with the current pandemic? With no feasible end in sight and no vaccine looking like being availableContinue reading “Corona Virus – Will football return before 2021?”
JJ O'Donnell 