Express & Star

'Enjoy it!' Josh Gordon’s message to Walsall kids

Walsall striker Josh Gordon insists enjoying the game is essential as he passes his wisdom on to the younger generation.

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Speaking to some of the club’s academy talents, the 25-year-old believes that a love for football and taking on board lessons is important for the youngsters to realise their dream of making it as a professional.

“At a young age I think the main thing is enjoying it,” he said. “You have to enjoy your football to be able to progress, I feel. I used to be a PE teacher before I became a professional footballer and I’ve always said you have to enjoy your football before anything, especially at a young age.

“It’s so hard to take knock backs so the more you enjoy it, the more you think about it being fun – that’s my best advice to progress. Have fun and play your game and learn off others.”

Meanwhile, Gordon also said that fitness and pitch awareness is crucial as the younger years prepare to move onto the 11-a-side pitches.

“If you’re running around recklessly you will lose your energy when it’s not needed so having an understanding of where you’re playing and pitch awareness, that would be my best advice,” he added.