Morpeth Town midfielder Will Dowling is using the disappointment of the past to power his future at the club.
Dowling penned his first contract with the club this week and is set to feature against Atherton Collieries on Saturday after not only breaking into the first team squad but grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
It hasn’t been all positive for the 19-year-old in his fledgling career to date, following a release from Sunderland’s Academy set-up and trials failing to materialise into anything more.
Thankfully for the midfielder, his time at Town has rekindled his love of the game and it’s showing in a string of impressive displays.
“I’m glad the management have put trust in me; having them believe in me has helped my confidence massively and helped me adjust to being in the team,” said the precocious talent.
“It means a lot to me to sign a deal with Morpeth. It shows a lot about my character. Playing for the side has really got me back into loving my football after a few setbacks.
“Coming out of academy football was a blow, as was being knocked down from trials and so on. It makes this a great moment for me, personally.”
Dowling will be hoping to continue a run of starts in the heart of the Highwaymen midfield when we host Atherton at Craik Park, with minutes on the pitch a reward for working hard and being patient.
“I didn’t expect to play in the first team as I was on loan to Bedlington Terriers earlier in the season,” he added.
“That helped me get used to men’s football with a good group of lads but as I started to be involved in the squad more and more with Morpeth, it gave me confidence and I knew if I kept pushing and working hard in training then I’d get a chance.”
Dowling has been sponsored for the remainder of the season by Highwaymen supporter Jeff Ross.
