Andrew McCarten
As season’s kick-off approaches, all of the focus seems to be on the massive transfers and personalities that make up the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the rest of Europe’s biggest competitions. It is easy to forget the magic of the Football League, where many of today’s international superstars got their start.
Many know Theo Walcott as an Arsenal player, but he first tasted success in football with Swindon Town and later Southampton. Likewise, Joe Hart is widely tipped to be England’s first choice goalkeeper for years to come, and one of the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers, but he owes much of his success to Shrewsbury Town. This season will see some clubs, like Leeds United, seeking to recapture former glories, while others look to emulate Blackpool and blaze a path into untracked territory.
Here are some of the players, young and old, to watch out for across the English Football League this season:
Joe Lewis
22 years old
Goalkeeper
Peterborough United
Before Joe Hart was the hottest young commodity in English goalkeepers, it was the Norfolk native Lewis who looked most likely to be the next staple between the sticks. Lewis came up in through the Norwich City youth system, and despite never making a senior appearance, garnered rave reviews, so much so that he earned a shock call-up to the England senior team in May of 2008, the same month he made his Under-21 debut. The keeper’s impressive form on-loan at Morecambe was enough to make Peterborough break the bank to bring him to London Road, sending a record £400,000 to Norwich. However, with the Posh being relegated back down to League 1 after a lone season in the second tier, the 22-year-old could face a crossroads of sorts in his career. Lewis impressed last season despite Peterborough’s poor form, and similar displays could see a return to The Championship, and the chance to move on to a bigger stage.
Billy Sharp
24 years old
Striker
Doncaster Rovers
Although Billy Sharp is just 24, the days when he was rated one of the top young strikers in England are but a set of quickly fading memories. Sharp began his career at hometown club Sheffield United, but left for Scunthorpe United in 2005 after making just two senior appearances for the Blades. It was at Glanford Park where Sharp caught fire, striking up a wondrous partnership with fellow youngster Andy Keogh. Sharp scored a stunning 53 goals in just 82 appearances for the Iron, and it wasn’t long before Sheffield United came calling in hopes of "getting Billy back". Sharp’s dream move was not the perfect ending to a fairytale story however, as he managed to find the net just eight times in 51 appearances, and soon fell down the pecking order. Last season Sharp went to Doncaster Rovers in search of first team football, and looked revitalised, scoring 15 goals as Rovers finished a surprising 12th in The Championship. With manager Sean O’Driscoll singing his praises, Doncaster would not be denied, and eventually paid just more than £1M for his services. He has been given the number 10 shirt, and the Keepmoat faithful will hope that his continued good form could see Rovers better their top half finish this term.
Luke O’Brien
21 years old
Left back
Bradford City
Since their relegation to League 2 in 2007, Bradford City fans have had little to cheer about. A desired quick return to League 1 has failed to materialise, with mediocre mid-table finishes and the Bantams have failed to progress past the second round in any cup competition (FA Cup, League Cup, and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) since the 2003/04 season. But if there has been one bright spot, it is undoubtedly Luke O’Brien. The 21-year-old is Bradford through and through – he has spent his entire career with City, and his brother is a hooker with rugby league outfit Bradford Bulls. O’Brien may be just 21, but the left back has already made 80 appearances and picked up various player of the year awards at the club. Bradford have been terribly average, but O’Brien’s shining performances could well attract attention from other clubs. A solid defensive player with a knack for a good cross, greener pastures may well beckon for the youngster, as well as an Under-21 cap for England.
Aidan White
18 years old
Left back/Left midfield
Leeds United
Despite frequent injury problems in the past two years, Aidan White has Leeds United supporters excited about the future, and some think he may be a key figure as the Yorkshire giants seek to re-enter the Premier League. Although just 18, White is very firmly part of the first team picture at Elland Road, and his ability to play either left back or on the left wing gives manager Simon Grayson an extra bit of flexibility. White has impressed so much that he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year after an superb campaign helping Leeds gain promotion to The Championship. The teenager will be tested by the higher level of play in England’s second tier, but it will certainly aid in his development, and he could build on the one England Under-19 cap he has won so far.
Kevin Kilbane
33 years old
Left back/Left winger
Hull City
"Killer" joined Hull City from Wigan in January 2009, when Hull were on cloud nine, sitting eighth in the Premier League with a win over Arsenal already under their belts. Reality eventually set in, and Kilbane was an integral part of the side that survived to maintain top flight status. The well travelled Irish international is renowned for his effort and determination. Although not the most technically gifted player, Kilbane is extremely reliable, and has appeared a stunning 103 times for Ireland – joint-top with Shay Given – which included a run of more than 50 appearances in a row. “Zinedine Kilbane” may be nearing the end of the road, but helping the Tigers back to the Premier League could be a great way to sign off. Although it may sound nostalgic, the Irishman can still play. Despite often being criticised as too old or too limited, his performance against France in Paris rolled back the years. And while Giovanni Trapattoni is a firm backer, the ageing star finds his international spot under threat: 19 year old Greg Cunningham and John O’Shea may see Kilbane forced out. If he wants to keep his place, and help Hull to success, Kilbane will have to show that he can still do a job this year.
