Former Liverpool Academy Player Scouted by Blackpool
Can you tell us how the trial with Blackpool came about?
Rhys went to UK Football Trials and was scouted by Blackpool. Two or three weeks afterwards they offered us a trial so we went down to their academy for a couple of training sessions and he did well, so they invited him to play in a game against Port Vale.
How did that go?
They drew 5-5! He played in defence and played a lot of the game, most of the goals they conceded were when he came off actually so he was quite happy with how he played.
How did Rhys find the experience of training and playing for a pro club?
He enjoyed it, the standard was good and it was a new experience for him but it wasn’t his first time in that environment so I think he was well prepared for it.
What is his history with other clubs in the past?
Well Rhys was signed with Liverpool when he was six and spent a bit of time there, and then he was at Oldham for 18 months. He’s also had a couple of spells with Everton at their development centre and spent a year training with Manchester City’s Select.
Sound’s like he’s had a lot of experience…why do you think he’s not had his break yet?
To be honest I think it’s been the wrong place and the wrong time. He’s always done well at clubs but the thing they’ve always said ‘he’s not better than what we’ve got now’, so he’s just not had that break yet.
What do you think are his best attributes?
His communication definitely, he’s very loud on the pitch and a good organiser. He can read a game well and I think he’s got a great attitude. When he was growing up he spent a couple years playing two age groups up, so he’s quite tough and used to playing against bigger players.
And what things does he need to improve on?
Well some feedback he’s got from clubs has been on his weak foot, receiving the ball and things like that so I’d say that’s the main one.
How much football does Rhys play in a normal week?
He plays football with his two brothers nearly every day in the park over the road so he’s always doing something. Anything that’s remotely ball-shaped he will try to play with! He plays for the school team who won the English School’s Cup last year and he also plays for the town team as well.
Would you have any advice for players coming to our trials?
I mean the reason we brought him to UK Football Trials was the give him a fresh start. He was a bit disheartened from not getting his break yet so we thought why not. But what he’s done is work hard, put in the time and effort in and not let anything get in his way. You have to work hard and keep going, if you want it bad enough then you will.
And what’s his next step from here?
Well Blackpool offered him a six-week-trial but in the end the distance was the main issue, so he’s currently training with another club who are located a bit nearer to us. We will see how that goes but Blackpool have been very good with him and said they’d love to see him back in the future if things don’t work out, so there’s options and we just have to see what happens.