Anne Wong
Get ready to dive into the unseen side of EFL players‘ lives. From training with Lionel Messi to experiencing Liverpool’s ups and downs, these stories will captivate you.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating journeys of nine EFL players. They share memories of iconic moments and personal anecdotes, giving us a peek into their unique football adventures.
Mark Harris: Goals of Contrast
It’s a tale of two spectacularly different goals for Oxford United’s Mark Harris. One was an absolute banger from 35 yards against Blackburn. The other? A close-range, rather accidental midriff in at Coventry.
“You enjoy them all,” Mark Harris quips. Whether a stunning strike or a scrappy goal, they all count the same on the scoreboard. For him, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
Andi Weimann: The Biting Incident
A bizarre incident in a game between Preston and Blackburn saw Milutin Osmajic appear to bite Owen Beck. Andi Weimann took to social media to make light of the situation.
“I misspelt the tweet and corrected it underneath,” Weimann smiles, explaining his quirky tweet. “It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but such things shouldn’t happen on a football pitch.” His teammate Owen Beck, with visible bite marks, was understandably shaken.
Liam Millar: Meeting His Idol
Hull winger Liam Millar grew up idolizing Wayne Rooney, despite being in Liverpool’s academy. When Hull played Plymouth, where Rooney was the boss, Millar was starstruck.
“Seeing Rooney in person was surreal,” Millar confesses. “I didn’t say anything because I was nervous, but it was a cool moment to see my childhood hero.”
Louie Barry: From La Masia to Stockport
Louie Barry, now shining for Stockport County, was the first Englishman to join Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
“I trained with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez,” Barry shares. Messi’s presence was especially awe-inspiring, even if it was just a standard training routine. Barry treasures the photos he snapped with the football greats, cherished memories from an iconic academy.
Jack Marriott: Hollywood Fanboy
Wrexham’s Jack Marriott dreams of seeing comedy legend Adam Sandler at a game. Having already played in front of stars like David Beckham and Tom Brady, he’s a bit starstruck.
Marriott is a massive fan of Sandler’s work. “We share the same birthday,” he marvels. Growing up, Marriott watched Sandler’s sports comedy, Happy Gilmore, countless times.
Ethan Erhahon: Keeping Cool in Chaos
Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon thrives amidst the chaos of League One. As a defensive midfielder, his job is to bring calm and control.
“As a six, it’s about calming things down and reading the game,” Erhahon explains. The hectic nature of League One doesn’t faze him; instead, it brings out the best in his game. He relishes the feisty moments as a test of his cool-headedness.
Rhys Williams: From Kidderminster to Anfield
Rhys Williams’ journey took an unexpected turn in 2020. From loan spells in the lower leagues to stepping up for Liverpool during an injury crisis, his career skyrocketed.
Thriving under pressure, Williams helped Liverpool secure Champions League qualification. “I didn’t have much time to think,” Williams recalls. It was a whirlwind experience, but one that he cherished. Now, he’s at Morecambe, looking to regain top form.
David McGoldrick: Ageless Passion
At 36, David McGoldrick continues to shine in League Two with Notts County. With four goals already this season, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite not having fancy training facilities like Jamie Vardy, McGoldrick maintains his fitness with dedicated gym workouts. “Even Ronaldo has doubters,” he says. Inspired by the greats, McGoldrick remains passionate about the game.
Charles Vernam: Golazo Moment
Charles Vernam’s stunning goal for Grimsby against Cheltenham clinched the Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month award.
“You know when you’ve scored a good goal,” Vernam admits. His strike was a reminder that talent shines at all levels. Social media buzzed with his goal’s brilliance, giving him a taste of fame.
These stories from EFL players showcase the heart, hustle, and humor behind the game. From idol encounters to unforgettable goals, each tale brings a unique flavor.
As we tune in to watch them play, we carry these stories with us, adding depth to every matchday experience. The EFL continues to be a treasure trove of remarkable journeys.
