Liam Drury: Legend In The Making

17th March 1993

The train I was on was steaming toward Bath from my hometown, Weston-Super-Mare. A town that I had lived in my whole life. Today, I was wearing a smart t-shirt with a burgundy jacket over the top with blue jeans covering my legs. Despite it being a humid day in Somerset, I could hear the rain hammering down against the window as we sped along. I looked up from my phone and saw my best friend, Matt, looking out the window. Me and Matt both played for the Weston U14's team and we were on our way to Bristol to sign contracts with the Bath-based side, Bristol Rovers.

A few weeks ago, me and Matt had been scouted playing for Weston by Bristol Rovers in a game that we beat Rovers themselves 5-3. Predominantly, I played as a flying winger, either on the left or right side. I had been told many a time that I reminded people of George Best, which I always took as praise and compliments. My coach at Weston, Alex, often described me as being a good dribbler of the ball, having good flair on the ball and being able to cut inside and shoot.

With me being a winger, Matt was a central midfielder. Yes, he was a small one but he was mostly deployed as a defensive midfielder because of his tackling abillity and distribution of the ball when he got it. Matt was a winger's dream to play with at times, because Matt had the stamina of an Olympic sprinter and he was strong as an ox even though he was small for his age. Many a time in the Junior league this season, I could remember Matt putting goals on a plate for me with superb balls over the top or drilled balls through the middle which I oould race onto.

"You feeling ok?" Matt asks me. I look up at Matt, surprisingly shocked he had said a word. "Yeah" I reply and Matt smiles at me. "We've played our last game for Weston mate" Matt says and I gently nod my head before smiling and turning back to my phone. "It's ok to be nervous" Matt says as I twiddle with my thumbs on the table seperating us. "I'm not nervous" I say angrily, sharing a glance with Matt and he shakes his head fervently before picking his phone up form the table and standing up as the train pulled into Bath Spa

Me and Matt stepped off of the train and exited the train station before beginning the short walk to Twerton Park, the temporary home of Bristol Rovers which they shared with Weston's Somerset rivals Bath City. Me and Matt entered the reception area where we asked to see Bristol Rovers U14's coach, Dan. Me and Matt were sitting and waiting for a while before Dan briskly walked into the reception and introduced himself to us. "Hello boys. I'm Dan and I'm the U14's coach here" Dan said briskly, shaking our hands. "Would you care to follow me?" he said politely.

Me and Matt followed Dan down a short corridor where he showed us into a small room with a table, a desk and a TV was inside. "Please sit down" Dan said as we entered the room. Me and Matt settled down next to eachother before Dan and two other people sat down next to him. "Right. This is Will" Dan said, pointing to a young man with long, blonde hair who smiled at us. "Will is the U14's assistant coach here and this is Steve" Dan said, pointing to a man in his mid-40's with brown hair and a stubbled face. "Nice to meet you" Steve said to us, smiling. "Let's gown to formalities" Dan said.

Steve pulled a piece of paper from a desk of drawers in the corner and placed one in front of me before placing another in front of Matt. "Right. We would advice you both to read the full contract" Steve said, smiling at us. Me and Matt took a few minutes each to read through the lengthy piece before Steve handed us a pen each. "Now. Could you care to write your name there and put your signature there?" Steve instructed us. Me and Matt did as was asked before handing the paper back.

We all stood up before shaking the hands of Will and Steve. "Nice to have you on board" Dan said as the club photographer burst into the room. "Ah Sharon. Just in time" Dan said. "Sorry I'm late Dan. Could you all care to stand together please with the two boys at the front and the three of you at the back?" Sharon said. Me and Matt stood centrally with Dan, Will and Steve all placing their hands on mine and Matt's shoulders as Sharon took pictures. "Thank you for your time" Sharon said, happy with herself. Dan showed us and Matt the way out before we began to head back to the train station. But I couldn't help glancing back at the stadium behind me.

This is where my story begins...

5th November 1994

It was a cold autumn morning in November and I was sat at the Costa shop in Bath. Me and part of the Bristol Rovers U16 squad had decided to go out for the morning and we had decided to stop off at Costa to try and warm ourselves up before heading out to play football. The people who had decided to join me this morning was Matt, Ash, Harry, Morgan, Lewis, Sol and Jay. Me, Ash. Morgan and Sol were all sat at a table. "How's school going boys?" I asked them with the most cringiest small-talk I could think of. All three of them looked up, smiled and looked at their phones.

After we had all ordered our drinks, we all sat around one table in the corner by the window on the luxury leather sofas Costa had. "So where we going after this?" I asked. "I was thinking that we should go play some football" Jay said as my phone rang. I answered my phone to hear U14's coach, Will, on the other end. "Hello" I said. "Hi Liam. Have your forgotten what today is?" Will asked. "Ahh. It's strength and fitness day for our team ain't it?" I said.

"Correct" Will replied, giggling on the other end of the line. "Ok. Me and the boys will be there soon" I said before hanging up and turning to face th others. "We're needed at the club. I forgot it was strength and fitness day" I said. Me and the boys picked up our jackets and coats before exiting the shop and jumping on the first bus that headed toward the stadium.

When we got off the bus, we walked a short 5-minute stroll to Twerton Park, the home of Bath City and the temporary home of Bristol Rovers. We all walked into the gym to find Dan, Will, head of youth development Steve and the rest of our U16's squad there. "Hiya boys. Nice of you to join us" Dan said, who seemed pretty upset as us completley forgetting that we had to be at the club today. We all settled down on the chairs laid out for us with Steve glaring at us.

"Right boys. Now that we are all here, I think it's time that we got started. First up, I want the wingers and central midfielders to go on the running machines. I want the strikers to go on the pedalling machines. And then I want the defenders and keeper to go on the weights" Dan] said. We all then disembarked to do what was asked of us. First up, I was on the running machines. I decided to start off steady, as I was never one to use up all my energy before half-time.

I had always had major pride in my stamina, and I was showing that here by being able to run at a constant speed of 20mph for 15 minutes straight. Next up was my turn on the pedalling machine. I climbed onto the stationary bike before going as fast as I can to try and get the adrenaline pumping through my legs as well as trying to improve the leg muscle in my legs. I was quite impressed with the leg muscle I actually had in my legs already but to be able to run faster and for longer, the more muscle is generally required for that so I'm effectively killing two birds with one stone.

Next up was the weights. I've never really bene able to say I'm as strong as I should be so I feel that's something I need to work on massively. I always get outstrengthed by full-backs when charging down the wing so that's something I want to change and fast.

After I had been on the weights for 20 minutes, Dan said we could all leave. The whole squad seemed to leave as broken as could be, me especially. All of my muscles were aching and it genuinely hurt to try and walk or lift my arms as I walked. I decided it would have been best to head back home so I bid fareweel to the squad, who had become my friends over the 2 and a half seasons I've been here, before heading home on the train.

17th March 1995

The end of season was approaching for the Bristol Rovers U16 side, and for once I had decided to skip training and spend the evening with my girlfriend, Olivia, at her house. We were watching an episode of Jermy Kyle on the TV, with the house empty. "When's your next game?" Olivia asked me softly and I smiled at her as I held her tightly. Olivia was a small person, who stood at 5'7", two inches shorter than me. She had long, blonde hair and a good figure.

"My next game's on Saturday babe" I said as I smiled down at Olivia. "Do you mind if I come and watch you for once?" Olivia asked me politely. I smiled to myself. "Of course you can come and watch" i said, surprised she had even asked the question. "Where is it?" she asked and I had to ponder on this thought. "Umm...It's away to Weston I think" I replied. "It's easy to get to then" Olivia said. "Yeah it is" I replied and I continued to smile at her.

Olivia looked up at me and smiles at me, putting her pearly, white teeth on show. "What are you so happy about?" Olivia asked. "I'm so happy because I get to spend the night with my gorgeous girlfriend" I reply and Olivia kisses me on the lips. "Aren't you meant to be at training?" she asks. "Well, yeah I am meant to be there" I stutter out. "So why aren't you there?" Olivia asks me again. "Because I wanted to spend the night with you" I say to try and soften her up.

"Listen, Liam, I want the best for you and the best for your career. I've always wanted to have a boyfriend who could make it as a footballer and your the first one I could have. I've always wanted the best for you. Now, are you going to go to training or not?" Olivia asks me. "Alright fine. I will go but just cause you want me to, baby" I reply. "Thank you. I'rr come with you" Olivia says and I smile at her. "Come on then" I say before I take her by the hand and leave the house with her.

Me and Olivia walked to my house where I piled all my football kit into my kit bag before taking Olivia by the hand and leading her to the train station. Me and her boarded the first train we could that stopped at Bath.

When the train reached Bath, me and Olivia both departed from the train before heading to Twerton Park. When I arrived there, I quickly changed into my kit before heading out to join the rest of the squad. During a passing drill, I caught OLivia out of the corner of my eye. After years of searching, I had finally found a girl who cared about my football career, a girl I could trust with my life. Olivia was mine and I wanted her to stay as mine for years to come.

16th June 1995

I walked through the doors at Twerton Park, dressed smartly in a navy blue shirt with some denim jeans on. As I walked through reception, I caught a camera taking photographs of me as I walked on through. And me being my usual chirpy self today, I smiled at the club photographer, Sharon, as she was furiously taking photos. I smiled and waved at the camera as I walked past.

The reason I had showed up at Twerton Park during pre-season was to sign my new contract with the club, effectively sealing my first professional deal when I turned 17 next year. Today was a big day for me. It would make me feel like I was an actual footballer and it would provide me with moving one step closer to the dream I had since I was a small boy.

I walked down the corridor leading to the same room where I had first signed my first contract with Bristol Rovers a couple of years ago. I opened the door to the room before stepping inside and closing the door behind myself. Sitting at the table was first team manager and Lincoln legend John Ward, new U18 manager Dan and his assistant, Will, the two people who had brought me up to the standard I was currently playing at.

"Liam. This is John Ward, the current Bristol Rovers first team manager" Dan said, introducing me to John, and I calmly shook John's hand before sitting down opposite the three of them. "Now, Liam, Dan and Will have both told me good things about you" John said.

"Have you really? What sort of things?" I ask dominantly. "Well, these two have both stated that you are an old-fashioned winger. Somebody who loves to charge down the wing, get past a couple of players before either cutting inside and shooting or heading to the byline and hanging a cross up in the air" Steve said as I listened to his every word.

"Well, yeah. I've always based myself on somebody that can do that with ease. I've seen clips of George Best and I loved the way he could go past 5-6 players in one dribble. I have the same relative build as him so I like to consider myself a George Best type player" I reply as John notes what I'm saying down into a notepad.

Will then slides a piece of paper across the table to me as I pull a pen from my pocket. "Now, Liam. This contract has a clause in it which allows you to sign a professional contract with the club when you turn 17. This will then allow you to train full-time with the club and still be able to go through your education" Dan said as I read through the contract.

"Liam. I would really like you to be part of where this club is going at the moment. You could be a real asset to me in the future. I love the way you play your football. I love that you base yourself on George Best. Your charismatic, your funny, your a leader. Your someone this] club needs" John says as I stare at the contract. And then, I signed on the dotted line...

20th March 1996

It was a warm afternoon here in Weston, and after finishing college for the day, I had decided to head home to review some of my recent performances for Bristol Rovers U18's. I got into the house before racing upstairs to my room, throwing my keys down onto the desk and opening up my laptop.

I placed my headphones into the plug-in before placing my headphones over my ears and putting the disc I had of my performances into the disc tray and loading up the DVD start screen.

I headed to the 'Performance' tab before selecting my personal highlights from our most recent game vs Bristol City Academy. The highlights began to roll and I leaned back in my bed as the first few highlights showed me skipping past a couple of players but my pull-backs being poor.

I noted this down before continuing to watch the highlight reel. I noted the words 'Shoot From Long Range' down in my notepad before watching a couple of highlights of me being played in down the left but me failing to convert any of my chanes from close range as the keeper managed to palm them away.

I then looked through a couple of corners I took from the right side of the pitch, as I always tried to swing these types of corners in close toward the keeper to try and make him struggle.

The highlight reel then cut to me attempting to play some long-range passes from the left side of the pitch, which I usually played on for the U18's this past season. My favorite pass of the game was definately my 50-yard pass from left to right for Sol, who brought the ball down on his chest.

Then, the highlights reel switched to some of my defensive play when we were being pressured into defending. On quite a few occasions, I was shown to be heading the ball away from danger and helping out my left-back, Harry, in his defending capabillities.

Then, I was yet again shown to be passing the ball. This time, my passing was shown to be to players who were overlapping. This was something I often prided myself in, which was finding overlapping players, and I was happy to see that I was doing this often in this game.

When the highlights reel ended, I took the disc out of the disc tray before placing it back in the case. I placed my headphones down on my desk before closing the laptop down and placing it on my desk also. I looked out of my window and smiled as I picked a football up from the floor and headed outside...

11th April 1998

I was 19 years old now. Time had flown so quickly since I had left Weston to join Bristol Rovers. I had made so many friends here already and I was loving every single minute I got to spend here. I still couldn't believe that I had signed my first ever professional contract just over 2 years ago on my 17th birthday. And now I was playing for the Bristol Rovers U21 side, with their home games coming at The Memorial Stadium, with Rovers approaching its 2nd anniversary since moving there.

And because I was now a full-time player within the Bristol Rovers reserve team, along with my other U21 team-mates, I spent my whole days at the Memorial Stadium now. It was 1PM at the moment, and I had decided to chill in the games room with my fellow U21 team-mates Lewis, Matt, Ash and Sol. Me and Sol were sat on the couch while Matt, Lewis and Ash were reading some magazines in the armchairs. "Has Dan or Will spoken to any of you about next season?" I ask my fellow players. Sol looked over at me.

"Yeah. He wants to keep me on lad" Sol says confidently before I look over to Lewis, Ash and Matt. "Ohh. Liam. Dan wanted to speak to me and you now actually" Ash says "Come on then" I say before me and Ash begin the short walk down a few stairs toward Dan's office. We knock on his closed door. "Come in" Dan says before we enter and sit down opposite him. "What did you want to talk to us about, Dan?" I ask him chirpily. "As you all may know, I am now discussing with all the players about next season" Dan says, making eye contact with us.

"Ok" I say as Ash nods his head slightly to acknowledge what Dan has said. "Now, I believe that you two are probably the finest young assests at the club. You are, of course, both 19 years of age and are hungry to fight tooth and nail for the future of this club and the future of your careers. I feel that you are both, potentially, first-team regulars for the future and I have brought you up through the youth ranks here at Rovers so I would like to offer you both a place within our U21's squad for next season" Dan says to us.

Me and Ash exchange a glance at eachother before turning back to face Dan. "Yes" we both say jointly and Dan smiles at us before nodding his head. "Thanks boys. I look forward to seeing you at training in a few hours time, I look forward to working with you both for the rest of the season and I certainly look forward to the next season with you both dragging this team forward" Dan says. Me and Ash nod at him. "You may leave now" Dan says before me and Ash leave the room and silently high-five eachother ecstatically.

23rd April 2001

The end of season was approaching for Bristol Rovers, and this was my first season outside of youth football at the Memorial Stadium. I had already made my first team debut last season against Blackpool in the League Cup. Now this season, I was begining to try and establish myself in the first team ranks under caretaker manager Garry Thompson. Today, my side Rovers were facing off against Fulham in the Football League Divison Two and I had made the squad for the game. This was the 18th time I had been involved in the squad this season and I was determined to impress.

I walked through the doors at The Memorial Stadium and strolled down the corridor into the home changing room. I entered the changing room to find my squad number, 36, hung up on the wall. Once all the squad had assembled, manager Garry Thompson strolled into the room before placing counters up on the whiteboard and listed all the numbers above the counters. I was pleased to see that I had been given a starting berth at LW in a 4-3-3 formation. Ryan Clarke was in goal, Marcus Andreasson, Trevor Challis, Mark Foran and Steve Foster served as the back four. Vitalijs Astafjevs, Matt and David Hillier was the flat midfield three while myself, Nathan Ellington and Martin Cameron was the front three.

We ran out onto the pitch as a whole team, including the substitutes, for our warmup. In our warmup, we were all made to pass the ball in a large circle while two players were in the middle trying to win the ball back. After we had been warming up for 30 minutes, we headed back inside with 20 minutes to go until kickoff.

In the changing room, we all changed into our match gear with me lacing my boots up extra well. We then all went out into the tunnel with me stood at the back of the queue and the Fulham team stood next to us. We then all strode out onto the pitch with 3-4 minutes until kick-off before exchanging the usual handshakes. With me and Matt being one of the youngest on the field, we were being taken lightly by the Fulham team it seemed as I caught sight of the Fulham midfielder and right-back talking between themselves, surely about mine and Matt's inexperience at this level.

We immediately tried to get off to a good start when I was fed the ball down the line by Andreasson. I skinned my marker before drilling a cross in and a sliding Astafjevs couldn't generate power on his shot and the keeper gathered. However, we did take the lead halfway inside the first half when Matt made a good run forward and was found by Ellington. Matt held the ball up, who found Astafjevs for support, who whipped a ball in and Ellington nodded home for 1-0. However, a few minutes later, Fulham came on the attack with a ball whipped in from the right and Challis flicked clear but Fulham's No.9 volleyed home.1-1.

We continued to try and push forward to try and find a second goal to put ourselves back in front and we were trying our hardest to round off our season at The Memorial Stadium with a victory. Astafjevs was running the game from midfield and just gone the half hour mark, he nearly got an assist on the board when he collected the ball from a deep-lying Matt, before Astafjevs strode forward confidently before looking up and finding the run of Cameron, who went through on goal but his subtle chip was palmed away by the sprawled Fulham keeper.

We took the lead back a few minutes later when Challis confidently intercepted a ball forward from Fulham before finding Astafjevs in midfield, who played the ball back to Challis first-time and his drive from 30 yards nestled into the bottom corner to spark celebrations from the Rovers fans. Just before half time, there was another chance to score a third Rovers goal when we cleared a Fulham corner, and I used my electric pace to race onto the ball before knocking it past the last defender and with my fifth goal of the season there for the taking, I fired my shot into the keeper's arms.

The whistle then blew for half-time and we all trudged off inside to the changing room. I grabbed my drink from the drink rack brought inside by one of the physios and immediately got some water down my throat before Garry Thompson began to speak. "Lads, that was a very good first half by all accounts. We moved the ball amongst ourselves well, we had attempts on goal, we confined the opposition to remaining in their half, we scored two world class goals. Defensively, we were excellent. Keep doing what your doing and I'rr see you on the pitch in 5 minutes" Thompson said before heading out of the changing room, leaving us to mill around.

5 minutes after Thompson departed from the changing room, we all ran outside to raptourous applause from the home support to find Fulham already out on the pitch. We kicked off and all we tried to do was keep the ball because we had nothing to fight for now, but we had the odd shot here or there. The only real chance of the second half fell to us just before the final whistle when Hillier hit a free-kick with his left foot, curled it over the wall but saw it hit the bar, bounce down onto the line and get cleared away Fulham to see the game end at a terrific 2-1 win.

At the final whistle, we all trudged off the pitch with the Rovers fans chanting all our names. We went over to applaud them before heading into the changing rooms. I showered and changed into my Bristol Rovers suit, a white shirt with a black waistcoat and a blue tie, before leaving the room and exiting through the players entrance/exit. But as I reached the exit, manager Garry Thompson called me back. "Liam. Can I have a word in my office please?" Garry asked professionally and I had no choice but to follow the gaffer into his office.

Hopefully your meeting is good news! Interesting story here mate

The Chat with Garry Thompson

I walked into Garry's office as I could hear the noise of thousands of Rovers fans outside, who had clearly been waiting to see their Rovers heroes leaving the stadium.

I placed my bag, containing my boots and everything like that, next to the wooden chair facing Garry across his desk before I sat down in the chair and Garry sat down in his.

"Now, Liam. I understand that you are still a young player at the club and that you have done a fantastic job when needed to this season. I'm very grateful of that".

"I've been very impressed with your performances this season and for you to have come in at such a young age, is very impressive to see from a manager's point of view".

"I like the way that you and Matt have both been able to conduct yourselves around people older than yourselves. As a person, I like your personality on and off the pitch".

"On the pitch, you use your voice a lot. You call for the ball, your always wanting it and you aren't scared to drop deep to recieve the ball or track back when on the defence to win it yourself".

"Meanwhile, off the pitch, you are a breath of fresh air around this club. You interact with all the youngsters, and you aren't nervous to ask the more senior players for help around here".

"In training, your conduct on the training pitches has been second to none. You've worked your hardest as you could have done and it's been superb".

"You and the players who have come up with you from the U21's this season, which is obviously Matt, Glen and Ash, have seriously impressed me and performed well when called upon this season".

"I believe that the future of the team rests in the hands of you four. However, I do not feel that you are all ready for this so I'm planning on loaning you out for next season if I find somewhere suitable" Garry said.

I looked into Garry's eyes as he finished what he was saying.

"Wait. What do you mean that I'm not ready for first team football this season" I said, anger growing inside of me.

"Liam. After reviewing your performances and statistics from this season, I do not feel that you are up to first standard at the moment".

My hands were clenched into fists at this moment. I wasn't going to let my chance slip away from me just yet. I was prepared to come out fighting for my spot in the Rovers first team.

"Please gaffer. I've tried my hardest throughout the season. I love this club and I can do a job on the pitch" I begged.

"Sorry Liam. But I just don't think your ready just yet and you just need to realise your full potential" Garry said, trying to make me understand.

"Your trying to tell me that I haven't found my full potential. I've played 18 games for the first team this season and scored 4 goals".

"I've done that from left-wing in a side that have been average all season and ended up in 13th position in the league" I said angrily, standing up.

"Liam. Calm down please. I can tell your head isn't in the right place at the moment so I will talk to you another time. You may go now" Garry says calmly.

I pick my bag up before exiting the manager's office. In the hallway, the cold wind swept throughout through the open window.

I punched the wall as hard as I could, forcing my knuckles to begin bleeding. I then headed downstairs and out into the players' car park as the red-hot blood swept from my hand.

21st February 2003

Today was gameday for Bristol Rovers. I stepped off of the Bristol Rovers coach for our FA Cup 5th Round clash vs Blackburn Rovers at The Memorial Stadium. My headphones were on over my ears as I strode through into the stadium with my bag containing my essentials like my boots, shinpads etc in my left hand while my phone was in my right hand.

Just over a month ago, I had celebrated my 24th birthday with the people I cared about most. I couldn't believe that I was almost a quarter of a century old. It was unreal by all circumstances for me especially. It was a good feeling to know that Garry Thompson had decided to not loan me out at the end of the 2000-2001 season. That's how I had forged my career here at Rovers.

Garry had decided to keep me on at Rovers and it paid off, with me playing 37 games last season and scoring no goals. However, this season, I was becoming a big part of the first team setup here at Rovers, having playing consistently for the first half of the season. But, now there was a different man in charge. That man was Ray Graydon, former Rovers and Aston Villa player and Walsall legend.

Ray had done a lot for me since being appointed last year. He had taken me under his wing and helped me to soar in the famous blue and white cheques that Bristol Rovers wore so famously these days.

I walked through the corridor toward the home changing room before entering and finding the manager, assistant manager and the backroom staff all congregated in the middle of the room. I was the first Rovers player to have stepped off of the coach and therefore I had been the first one into the changing rooms.

Ray took a ball out of the bag and rolled it to me. "Go out onto the pitch you lot" he said. I placed my bag down under my shirt before ,strolling out of the changing room with 2 hours to kick off and out through the tunnel onto the pitch. I was joined by my fellow first team members as we calmly strode around the pitch, inspecting the conditions we were to play in.

It was a breezy day here in Bristol, perfect conditions for a football match in my opinion. After milling around the pitch for around 15 minutes, we were all called back in to the changing rooms. We all trudged off inside before taking off our suits and changing into our Rovers training tops, our matchday shorts, our matchday socks and our boots.

We all then jogged out onto the pitch to the sound of raptourous applause as the stadium began to fill up with Rovers fans. Manager Ray made us run around our half of the pitch so we could loosen up our muscles first. We then stretched all the important muscles so we didn't pull anything during the game.

Ray and the coaches then made us get into a large square, where they effectively split us up into two teams and made one team keep the ball with the other one defending before switching. We had various attempts at this before we were allowed to roam freely around our half of the pitch.

With around 20 minutes before kick-off, Ray called us all back in and we stode off into the changing room happily. In the changing room, we all threw our training tops off into the kit bag before putting our matchday shirts on. Ray then strode in with a board pen before setting his counters up on the whiteboard and writing our names above the positions.

"Right boys. Today is an important game for us. And I've decided to change things up a bit with your individual positions. In goal, I've decided to go for Clarke in goal. Liam at left-back. Anderson and Austin at centre-back. Barrett at right-back. The midfield three is Astafjevs, Bryant and Carlisle. And the front three is Gilroy, Grazioli and Rammell.

"I know that this is a bit of a change for some of you, playing in different positions but I believe that we have it in us to win this game. From that first whistle, keep the ball on the ground as much as you can and don't look backwards but always try to look forwards. If you have no other options, then go back. But if you can go forward, go forward".

"The last thing I will say is that you are all a talented bunch of players and that nobody expects you to win today so go out there and impress everyone" Ray says before we all stand up and walk out of the door, with captain Astafjevs leading us. When the referee was happy, we all strode out onto the pitch to a massive, raptourous applause, especially for us.

We then all exchanged the pleasantary handshakes before running off to our positions. Ray immediately called me over, so I jogged over to him.. "I know you are playing out of position but get a few early touches of the ball, go on a few runs, make a few tackles. Get your confidence up. I have faith in you" Ray says. I smile before jogging back to my position, as the ref blows his whistle.

We started off the better side, and should have scored 5 minutes in when Carlisle crossed from a short corner but Barrett's header hit the ground and was caught by the Blackburn keeper. We continued to press Blackburn and as we approached the 12th minute, a jinking run from Carlisle forced him to be tripped 20 yards from goal but Bryant's floated free-kick was caught by the keeper.

However, we suffered a scare a few minutes later when the Blackburn forward caught Austin dallying on the ball before charging forward and a powerful shot was well held by Clarke. The game petered out a bit but came to life again 10 minutes from half-time when Carlisle continued to run the midfield by dinking a ball over to Gilroy, whose shot was turned aside.

We came close a couple of minutes later when Gilroy chipped the ball over the Blackburn defence to striker Grazioli, whose shot was palmed behind for a corner by the Blackburn stopper. The half then petered out and when the ref blew his whistle for half-time, we all rushed into the changing room, where we all grabbed a bit of our drinks and sat down in our seats.

Ray then came in, with his hands in his long trenchcoat before he stared at us and smiled. "Boys. That was a good first half by my standards. We've kept the ball well, all you have to keep doing is to keep the ball on the ground. Pass it between yourselves, try and tire the opposition out a bit. Only look long if you can put another weight on the pass and if the player is in space".

"When defending, keep tight on the opposition attack. Don't zonally mark them for the whole of the second half. Man-mark the players. Liam, always stay on the right winger. Barrett, always on the left winger. Centre-Backs, always on their strikers. Don't give them any space to make things happen" Ray said, as he bore into the eyes of each one of his players.

"I expect you all out on that pitch in 5 minutes" Ray said before walking over toward me and sitting down beside me. "Listen, kid. I know you've been struggling out there at left-back but do everything I said just then. If you man mark the right winger, and put a real shift in at left-back, then Blackburn have no chance of scoring" Ray said.

All of the players then began to slowly filter out of the changing room. Ray clapped me on the back and I left the room As I slowly walked down the tunnel, I could hear the fans chanting our names and I was the last Rovers player to jog back onto the pitch. I jogged over to my left-back position, where I waited until the ref blew his whistle for the 2nd half to begin.

The second half started at a slow pace, with both teams trying to feel the tempo of the game again. Our first chance of the half came just over the 50th minute when Carlisle had a pot-shot end up straight in the keeper's arms. I could tell that we had our tails up in this game so far and that we really did want this win.

As the game approached the 55th minute mark, Blackburn earned a free-kick 25 yards from goal after the right winger cut inside and was tripped by my trailing leg as I tried to track my man. The Blackburn central midfielder then stood over the ball before curling a stunning shot into the top right corner, past the outstretched arm of Clarke to give Blackburn the lead.

We had a chance to get back in the game just before the hour when Carlisle charged at the Blackburn defence before going down in the box. With a penalty awarded, Bryant stepped up to try and equalise the game. However, he squandered his spot kick and blazed it over the bar, leaving Rovers fans distarught as time seemed to be running out.

With 25 minutes to go in the game, Blackburn were camped back inside their half as their defender cleared the ball. Austin brought it under control before finding me placed on the halfway line. I drilled a ball into the feet of Gilroy, who held it up well before finding me on the overlap. I drilled the ball into the six-yard area, where Grazioli bundled home for the equaliser.

We then managed to get ourselves in front with 17 minutes left when right-back Barrett controlled a header forward by Blackburn before attempting to tip-toe his way around the Blackburn left winger before being tripped on halfway. Anderson lined the free-kick up to fire it into the box, but his mishit pass sailed in over the backpedalling Blackburn keeper and into the net.

With the game nearing injury time, Blackburn pushed their men forward to try and force a replay at Blackburn's ground but as a long Blackburn ball was launched in, my 5'11" frame climbed highest to head the ball out. Astafjevs volleyed the ball forward even more, releasing Grazioli through on goal, who slotted home to seal our place in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals.

We managed to withold the Blackburn pressure for the rest of the game and when the period of injury time was over, the referee blew his whistle, sparking jubious celebrations from the Rovers end, the Rovers bench and my team-mates. Ray immediately ran over to me before grabbing me. "Excellent game, Liam" Ray said ecstatically and I smiled as I headed down the tunnel.

5th May 2003

FA Cup Final:Bristol Rovers 1-2 Manchester United

The final whistle had blown. I wa slumped on the floor, my hands covering my face as I felt the tears in my eyes. I then looked up into the bright camera lights before pushing the camera away from myself and looking around the pitch as the Utd players celebrated.

My manager, Ray Graydon, was stood solitary on the sidelines, looking around at his players as they sat and sobbed, crestfallen, on the soft turf. None of my team-mates were consoling anybody else. Nobody knew what to do as we had never made a final together before.

My introduction as a sub in the 66th minute had changed the game. I had managed to grab myself a goal in the 81st minute to equal the game, but a moment of magic from David Beckham won Utd the game in extra-time, the 109th minute to be exact.

I looked up toward our Rovers fans, all still chanting loudly despite us suffering a loss in a major cup final. Before I knew it, Utd legend David Beckham had walked over toward me and offered his hand out for me. I took hold and let him hoist me to my feet.

Becks then pulled me into a tight hug and held my neck with his right hand. "Well played tonight, son. You've impressed me. What nation you from?" he asked me. "England" I stated bravely. "Also half-Irish as well" I added as Becks continued to hold me close.

Becks then strolled off after releasing me and I slowly but surely jogged over toward my nearest team-mate, Sonny Parker, who was only 21 years of age, one of our youngest players. I pulled Sonny up to his feet before pulling him into a tight hug.

"Listen, Sonny. Your a really bright player. You've got a good future ahead of yourself. Don't get upset over this. There's plenty more finals to come, mate" I said as I could hear Sonny gently sobbing next to my ear. I then let him go before walking over toward Ray.

"Good game kid" Ray said as I approached him. I could tell Ray was desperately trying to hold back tears. "Thanks gaffer. Listen, don't get upset. There's a good squad here and we lost by one goal to one of the best sides in England" I said calmly as I embraced Ray.

Ray nodded his head before I walked back toward my team-mates, who were now mustering up the courage to get to their feet. I kept embracing my friends and offering them wise words of encouragement as I walked around them one by one.

I could see a man was watching me as I strolled around the pitch. I couldn't work out who this man was as I kept glancing over at him. Finally, I walked over to the celebrating Utd squad before exchanging pleasantires with most of their players.

I then turned around to see the Republic Of Ireland manager, Brian Kerr, standing there. "Liam Drury correct?" Brain asked me politely. "Err, yeah" I said, offering my hand out to Brian. He shook it in appreciation.

"Liam, I am Brian Kerr. The manager of the Republic Of Ireland national football team" he said. "A little birdy told me that there was a talented winger here today. And my sources tell me you are eligible for the Republic. Correct?" Brian said.

"Yeah. I'm half-Irish. My Mum's irish" I said, smiling as Brian looked at me. "Listen, Liam. Your 24 now. Your too good for this league in all things considered. You are good enough to play international football for our side" Brian explained.

"It's a very good team we are putting together. And you can be a strong part of that side. Liam, I am understood to believe that England have not come calling for you yet?" Brian asked me subtly. I nodded my head slowly.

"I brought the papers with me for you to sign. If you are to sign the papers to confirm your eligibility for Ireland, I will be upstairs for the next hour. Your decision Liam. I'm hoping to see you there" Brian said before strolling off down the tunnel.

David Beckham then approached me with none other than Sven Goran Eriksson. "Liam. I am Sven Goran Eriksson, the head coach of English football" Sven said as the Swede and I shook hands.

"David tells me that you are a promising left winger despite being the age of 24 already. I watched you closely during this game and I was very impressed at what I saw from a substitute such as yourself" Sven continued.

"Liam. I feel that you could have a bright future in the game and I know that Brian Kerr is after you to sign eligibility papers with Ireland. However, I would like you to sign with England as we need a player like you".

"The emotion you showed after the game was brilliant. The way you were first to console your devasatated team-mates. The way you shook the camera away at the final whistle as you lay on the floor, in tears yourself".

"Would you care to follow me upstairs?" Sven said Now was my choice. I had been approached by both England and Republic Of Ireland to represent them at international level. But, at the end of the day, I was always going to represent the better country.

I followed Sven and David Beckham through the tunnel and up into the higher reaches of the stadium. Sven showed me into a room, where I entered with Beckham before settling down, with Beckham on my right and Sven on my left.

Sven carefully pulled the papers toward myself and laid them neatly in front of me. Sven then showed me where I had to sign, so I did as was asked. I then laid the papers aside before Sven placed them in his jacket pocket.

"Now, Liam. I understand that you are a mature man on and off the pitch, being at your current age. However, international football is a whole level further up than club football, so to help you settle in quickly, I want you and David to work closely".

"On the pitch, I want you and David to try and be the leaders of the side. To be the ones who carry the team forward through the flanks. Off the pitch, I want David to try and tutor you, Liam, so that you mature as a man and more importantly, as a player".

I shook Sven and David's hand at the end of our brief meeting, before I stood up and exited the room. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. England wanted me as an international player. Yes, I had snubbed Ireland, but hopefully that snub would mean nothing once I made my England debut!

You snubbed Ireland for England? Mae sure you never go on holiday there!!

22nd May 2003

I stepped off the team coach in the warm, humid evening at South Africa's national stadium, the Amalgamated Banks of South Africa Stadium, often referred to as 'Banks Stadium'. This match was being played as the International Launch Trophy. This was a game where a country bidding to host a World Cup had to play a game against a top nation to prove that they were capable of holding games of this magnitude. I waited for David Beckham to step off of the coach before following my tutor toward the players' entrance.

Me and Becks entered the stadium together before strolling along toward the away changing room. Sven aggressively made us change out of our smart wear into our training wear quickly before forcing us to all jog out onto the pitch as one whole team so our travelling fans could get a glimpse of a united squad. Me and Beckham jogged out together at the front of the queue before heading over to the far side, where our practical warm-up of the possession game had been set up for us.

The gaffer had already told me that I would be starting this game in my favoured position of left midfield, and for me this was an unusual tactic from the coach. He had actually announced the team on the coach as we were pulling up to the stadium. The coach's announcement had primarily given me something to work toward as we were warming up and I was determined impress everyone in the stadium and most importantly, every football fan in my nation, about what I could do with a football at my feet.

With around half an hour left until kick-off, Sven called us all back into the changing room and we all followed, with me and Beckham strolling along behind everyone. Becks put his arm around my shoulders. "There's 48,000 people here, kid. Most of them are South Africans, yes. But around 2,000 of them are English. They are here to support their country and they want to be going home with a win today. So make sure you make that happen today mate and you should be fine" David said, taking his arm from my shoulders before jogging to catch up with right-back Danny Mills.

As I walked back down the tunnel and into the changing room, David Beckham's words were ringing in my ears. He had told me the away fans wanted a win. That I had to perform tonight. Maybe I wasn't ready for all of this. I was 24 years of age, and a Bristol Rovers winger was making his England debut. No. I had to do this for the fans I thought as I pulled the No.11 shirt on over my head before sititng down in my seat as Sven came walking into the room. He stood in front of us before looking around.

"Right boys. I know that this game isn't an important game as such. Yes, it's just an international friendly. But for some of you, it is a chance for you to impress me. To impress the fans and to impress the FA. Tonight could be your chance to impress the nation for some of you. Liam, your making your international debut on the left wing. For some of you, this is just another game of football. But to others, it is a game that their international careers depend on heavily".

"Right, time to talk tactics. When in possession, keep the ball on the deck. If you've got time, look for the better option. If you recieve the ball and are immediately pressed by one of the opposition, then look for the first pass. It doesn't matter who the ball is played to. Just as long as we are able to find one of our men and are able to push forward. Don't go firing long balls up toward Emile and Michael. Yes, they can both win headers but in the 4-4-2 formation, there may be nobody to recieve the knockdown".

"When out of possession, press high up the pitch. Keep tabs on the opposition. If their defenders have the ball, then close them down quickly. If the ball is fired into their wingers or strikers at a fast pace, then be onto the ball quickly because there is always a chance they will miscontrol it and it will run away fromt them. If the ball is on the wing and in a crossing position, then I want the two central midfielders and the opposite full-back to be in the box, defending the cross as best you can".

"Now go and win that game" Sven said passionately, trying to pump us all up as best he could. He all began shouting, before Beckham, with his captain's armband on, pulled me aside. "Listen, kid. Do you understand what Sven said?" he asked me kindly. I nodded my head confidently. "Good. Now, if I have the ball on the wing and shift it to my left foot, I need you to be running in between their right-sided centre-back and their right-back. I will try and find you that way" Beckham said as we left the changing room.

I stood at the back of the queue while Becks went and stood at the fornt. The referee and his assistants then led us out onto the pitch. We allthen sang the English national anthem 'God save our Queen' before South Africa sang their anthem. We then all shook hands with the opposition before running off toward our positions. Beckham then won the coin toss and opted to kick toward the bulk of South Africa support for the first half. I exchanged eyes with a pumped-up Beckham as the first whistle of the game blew.

I didn't touch the ball for the first 30 seconds of the game. But we had a chance when Owen was dragged to the floor by Lucas Radebe. Me and Becks both stood over the ball before the captain curled the ball in toward the near post, where Southgate headed home 36 seconds in. On the 7th minute, we should have went 2-0 up but Becks' powerful free-kick was spilled by African goalkeeper Baloyi. Owen then pounced on the rebound to see his shot blocked and as he lost balance, he hooked his 2nd attempt over the bar.

The game began to heat up when left winger Steven Fredericks twinkle-toed his way past Mills but was stopped by a crunching tackle from Ferdinand. Fredericks was found on the flank again and as he sped past Mills again, his dinked cross was headed clear by Southgate. Gerrard volleyed the ball out toward me and I brought it down on my chest before trying to run at the South Africa defence. I jinked inside the right-back before charging through the centre of the pitch however I was strong by a strong Macbeth Sibaya's tackle, leaving me injured for a couple of minutes.

18 minutes into the game, Scoles tried to play the ball out but his pass was blocked and Shaun Bartlett picked up the loose ball and laid it out to left-back Delron Buckley. Buckley's whipped cross was blocked by Mills' hand in the area, forcing a Africa penalty and a Mills yellow card. Benni McCarthy then struck his penalty into the far corner. As half-time approached, Beckham, Gerrard and Mills all had potn shots in frustration, hoping for some form of luck.

The half-time whistle eventually blew, with the half-time score at 1-1 and we all began to trudge off toward the changing room. There was signs of frustration currently wretched over every England face as the TV camera bore into our souls as we left the pitch. Beckham then grabbed me from behind. "You need to up your game. It's like you've been invisible mate" Beckham said, whispering it into my ear.

Beckham then walked ahead of me, further down the tunnel, and I shook my head, another sign of immediate frustration. I entered into the changing room before picking my water bottle up and drinking some. I listened to the manager's team-talk before we all strode out onto the pitch, where we found South Africa waiting for us. I hadn't spoken to anybody since entering the changing room and I wasn't going to speak to anyone now. As I was contemplating my plan of action, the second half kicked off.

The second half really did get off to a slow start. Nobody was able to pressure either defence. Passes were going astray every ten seconds and tackles kept stopping players in full flow. However, we were able to take a somewhat deserved lead in the 64th minute.Substitute Frank Lampard collected the ball from Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, before Lamps strode forward with ease and unleashed a dipping shot from 25 yards. Baloyi got two strong hands behind the shot but he only parried it to Hesky, who tucked home for 2-1.

Hesky was substituted after his goal but was given s standing ovation by the 2,000 English fans. From the other side of the pitch, I saw a very humble Hesky applauding the fans as he trodded off and Darius Vassell came on as his replacement. We could have scored again with 15 minutes left as Lampard surged into the box after collecting the ball from me but as Lmpard shaped to shoot with his right boot, a sliding challenge from an African defence smothered the ball behind for a corner.

With 5 minutes left of the game to go, tragedy struck for all England fans. Paul Robinson cleared a Matthew Upson back-pass up field and out toward David Beckham on the right. As Beckham jumped to try and win the header, he was clattered by the aerial leap of the African left-back. Becks landed awkwardly on his arm and had to be taken off on a stretcher. I could tell that he had seriously hurt his arm that Beckham may be out of pre-season if the injury was that bad.

The game eventually petered out into a 2-1 win, with Liverpool striker Emile Heskey bagging the all important winner mid-way through the second half. I strode over to Sven, where he pulled me tight and whispered in my ear. "You played alright son. Now go and see how Becks is in the physio room" Sven said. I jogged down the tunnel before finding the physio room and entering. I saw Becks, with a sling over his right arm. I sat down in a chair next to him.

"How's the arm?" I asked him. Becks looked at me and smiled. "It's a broken wrist, mate" Becks said. He looked down at his arm as he said this. "I'm approximately out for 6-8 weeks. So I'm out for the start for Manchester United's pre-season tour" Becks said. "Well, I better go and relay the news to Sven" I said before standing up and patting my mate on the leg. I left the physio room before strolling back down through the stadium and entering our changing room.

I entered the changing room to find all the players were already changing into their smart wear for the coach ride back to the airport. As I threw my top aside and began to put my white, smart polo shirt on, Sven approached me. "How is he?" Sven asked me cautiously. "The physio said that David will be out for roughly 6-8 weeks. He's suffered a broken wrist so he might be missing some of Utd's pre-season friendlies. He's currently wearing a sling" I explained to Sven.

"Ok" Sven said calmly before telling all of us to hurry up and to get on the coach. I was the last one getting chnaged, considering I had been the last one to enter the changing room. I left the room a few minutes after Joe Cole, before heading outside and getting a cheer from the England fans as they spotted me. I smiled and waved before hopping on to the team bus. The bus then began to drive away from the stadium. And as it did, I stared out the window, contemplating what my future held.

1st July 2003

The first day of Pre-Season

I strode in through the front doors of The Memorial Stadium. I signed in at reception before walking over to the tables laid out on either side of reception. I grabbed a marker pen, which were stuck to the wall behind, before grabbing a football and starting to sign.

As I was busy signing footballs for the various charities Bristol Rovers supported, goalkeeper Ryan Clarke and right-back Sonny Parker then entered through the doors and were sent toward the T-Shirts laid out on the other side of the room.

After 5 minutes of signing all the footballs, I then headed over to the other side of the room before signing the T-Shirts there. After 5 minutes of doing that solidly, me, Ryan and Sonny all exited through the doors leading into the main bulk of the stadium.

We walked through the stadium and out into the training complex, which was attached to the stadium itself. The trio of us walked through the training centre before entering the changing rooms, where our training kit was all laid out.

Being natural, we were the three that were first on the scene. Before long, Ray Graydon entered and told us to change into our training kit and put our trainers on. We did as was asked, before Ray came and collected us. He then escorted us down the hall to the gym.

In the gym, one of our fitness coaches was waiting for us. The fitness coach in question was named Kyle. "Alright, Kyle?" I asked cheerfully as I stepped foot in the gym. "Not too bad, Liam. Yourself?" Kyle asked. "I'm feeling great" I replied as Ryan and Sonny followed.

"Right, boys. First up, I want you on the weights Ryan to improve your upper body strength for catching crosses etc. Sonny, I want you on the bench presses to improve your leg muscle and Liam, I want you on the running machine to get to grips with your stamina" Kyle said.

Me, Ryan and Sonny all decided to nod at Kyle's request and we all headed off to do what he had asked of us. I noticed that Ray was observing from the other side of the room as I climbed onto the running machine.

I set the speed to 20mph to try and ease myself into running again after over a month of lounging around at home. I gently looked around as I increased the speed to 30mph and I began jogging quicker as I could feel the sweat pouring down my face.

After 10 minutes on the running machine, Ray asked me to get off and to head over to the weights. I began to pump 30kg from the off on the weights, as I felt this was the best way to increase my chest muscle and the muscle in my arms. So I did as was needed.

I began pumping the weights as I could feel the blood moving through my veins. After 20 minutes of pumping iron, I headed over to the bench presses, where my sole intention was to build up all of the muscle in my legs ahead of the new season.

After doing the bench presses for half an hour, I waddled over toward where Ray was before picking up my drinks bottle and taking a long gulp from it. I caught Ray looking at me. "Are you ok, Liam?" Ray asked me.

I looked at Ray questioningly. "Of course I am" I replied, piuring water into my ahnd and throwing it over my face. "You just seem to be trying too hard for your first day back in pre-season" Ray said.

"I'm fine, gaffer. I just want to get back to full fitness after the summer break" I explained to my curious gaffer. Ray looked at his watch before standing up. "Listen. It's the end of the sesion anyway. Go get changed and then go home" Ray said.

I left the gym with Sonny and Ryan before heading back to the chnaging room. I changed back into my casual clothing, pleased that I had done so well in my first trianing session after pre-season. I left the stadium a very happy man.

4th December 2003

I exited the changing room at the Memorial Stadium training complex. My hands were wrapped up in warmly knitted gloves as I strode out onto the training pitches. Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke followed me closely behind. It was a cold winter's day in England and I had made sure I had come prepared for the occasion by keeping my body warm using thermal clothes.

I walked over to where Ray was placed before grabbing a ball from the open bag laid beside him and his coaches before rolling the ball under each foot, waiting for the rest of my team-mates to casually stroll out from the changing room. Ray then approached me before beaming at me.

"How are you finding the season?" Ray asked me, putting his arm around me in a comforting way. I thought about my answer for a few seconds. "It could be going better, but of course, what happens, happens for a reason. So hopefully we can pull ourselves up the table toward the playoff places" I reply and Ray takes his arm from my shoulders.

Once the players had gathered out on the pitch, Ray took us all over to some little squares that had been laid out for us. I was put into a group of 5 players with myself, Sonny Parker as defender, Lee Thorpe as striker and Garry Twigg and Ryan Williams as the two central midfielders.

Once we were all in position, Ray all assigned us numbers. Williams was No.1, Twigg was No.2, Parker was No.3, Thorpe was No.4 and I was No.5.. Ray then placed himself in between us so we could hear him. "Right. For this drill, the No.5 will pass the ball to the No.2, the player in the centre of the pitch".

"When the ball has been passed to the No.2, I will shout a number and you will pass the ball to that number. The person who recieves the ball will then pass the ball back to the centre and I will shout another number for you to pass to. Try to vary the ball at different heights. Try to use your weaker foot as much as possible" Ray said.

"Ready. Go" Ray said, blowing his whistle. I played the ball into Twigg as Ray shouted No.5. Twigg controlled the ball with his right before passing it back to me. I then played the ball back to Twigg as Ray shouted No.4. Twigg was forced to readjust his body and play the ball to Thorpe, who immediately passed it back with his weaker left foot.

After we had done this on numerous occasions during our morning session on this wintery morning, we headed inside to warm up and to try to release our muscles after loads of running in the past few hours. I headed to the canteen, where I ordered pasta with salad before settling down at a nearby table.

I was quickly joined by Ryan and Sonny at the table, where we settled into our food. "What you got planned over Christmas?" Sonny asked us both. "Nothing much. You?" I replied. "I'm gonna go see my parents down in Portsmouth and then come back for the New Year games" Sonny said.

"What you doing Ryan?" I asked the first team keeper. "I'm probably just gonna do some workouts and spend time with family" Ryan replied. "Nice" I said. I finished my pasta before pushing the plate aside. "You fancy a quick game out on the training pitches?" I asked the pair.

"Yeah alright" the pair of them said. They pushed their empty plates aside before we headed downstairs to the equipment room, where we grabbed ourselves a few footballs before walking out to the training pitches. Ryan put his gloves on and stood in between the two posts, while I took up position in the box with Sonny on the right wing.

Sonny crossed the first ball into me and I brought the ball down on my thigh before stabbing my resulting shot at Ryan. Sonny kept crossing balls into me which I kept attempting to score past Ryan, but the Rovers first choice kept coming out on top of us. Out of 30 attempts, I only managed to score 5 goals, meaning I missed 25. I walked back inside a very unhappy man at how I had performed in a kick-about. I had to improve my game. But how was the real question?...