Oxford United striker Matty Taylor returns to a club that still holds a special place in his heart on Saturday.
Matty was released as a youngster by the U’s but made his name immediately at nearby North Leigh and on Saturday goes back to play against his former club in a pre-season friendly.
“It was kind of where my story and journey really began to get some traction” he told iFollow today. “I had two really enjoyable years there, I still talk to some of my old teammates now and they are brilliant people who really helped me as a player and as a person at that stage.
“I was in a slight pickle and disappointed when I left Oxford but with hindsight maybe I needed that rocket to make me work even harder for what I knew I wanted to achieve.
“The North Leigh manager was great with me and brought me back to a place where I had belief on the pitch and the time there helped me get used to men’s football.
“The first year was just about enjoying my football but in the second clubs started to look at me and I was really enjoying my football. I signed a new contract there and loved it; I think I would have carried on playing there if Forest Green hadn’t come in for me. They offered me a two-year contract and I figured that would give me time to adapt back in to full time football.
“Being released as a young footballer hurts but it doesn’t have to be the end. Keep working at the things you are good at as well as the things you are bad at, have a bit of determination and know where you ultimately want to go.
“I love the fact North Leigh are doing so well at the moment and I can't wait to go back and play there again on Saturday.”
Matty will be part of the United team at North Leigh on Saturday in the Lloyd Calcutt Memorial game which kicks off at 12.30pm. It is the first of a double header that day with United also travelling to Banbury United at 4pm