My football career began at Chelmsford City FC in their academy. I went on loan to Heybridge Swifts to get game time and improve my football at a senior level. I was actually a right back until the manager Jody Brown got the job at Heybridge a couple of months into my spell there and asked me to play upfront. That was the real start of my career as a striker and I finished the season with 20+ goals in half a season. Colchester United FC then invited me to trial with them, but the manager at the time left the club which left me in no man’s land. Tilbury FC came in for me and I felt I needed a new challenge. I got off to a great start bagging a goal on debut against Brentwood Town. Promotion chasing Thurrock FC later came in for me and I played a part helping them win promotion to Ryman Premier ending with 15 goals in an injury hit season. I have just signed with Phoenix Sports to fire them to promotion and keep progressing towards full time football when I’m ready. Have you always been a striker? I started off as a right back at Chelmsford City before Heybridge Swifts manager Jody Brown converted me into a striker. Who was your idol growing up? My idol has always been Jermain Defoe, his finishing is unreal and off the pitch he is so inspiring. Which team do you support? Tottenham Hotspur Best goal so far? During a game against Cray Wanderers the ball got put through to me and from about 30 yards out i smashed the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal. How do you relax away from football? Away from football i like to chill out with my friends and play a bit of golf as well as going down to the gym to chill out in the sauna and jacuzzi What are your aims in football? My aim in football is to get that professional deal and in the next couple of years nothing is going to stop me, I am going to do whatever it takes. What boots do you wear? I like to wear either Nike Mercurials or Adidas X16 What advice would you give to young aspiring footballers? My advice to any young footballers is that nothing is easy in life and if you really want it you’ve got to put your life into football, working hard every day and never ever think your not good enough because people will always put you down but that has to make you stronger, so hard work is key. All the little things in football are the things that matter the most so keep your head down work hard and show people why you should be at the top level What is your pre-match meal? My pre-match meal will always remain the same, 2 pieces of toast, 3 eggs and baked beans all over the top. Honestly its the best! What does the future hold for Jack Barham? The future, well in the next 2 years i want to get into the pro game and show people I’m good enough to be at that level, i feel like I’m ready to make that step now.
44 - THENONLEAGUE.COM
Jack Barham
Tell us about your football career so far?