Mark Johnson

Project |01 Joe Lolley: My Dream Year

 

 

Life cannot get much better for former University of Central Lancashire student Joe Lolley, as he adapts to life away from education to share with me his journey of realising a boyhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.

 

It’s a regular Wednesday night for Joe, feet up, gulping a protein shake, resting from an intense training session with his new club Kidderminster Harriers, somewhat a far cry from 12 months ago where Joe and his friends would be enjoying a different sort of beverage, getting ready for their weekly football social in the local bars of Preston. A shock to the system, or a shock to the body, probably a bit of both! Joe’s university life is now a thing of the past, but one not to forget, “university was incredible for me, I met some amazing people, and take some great memories along the way, if it wasn’t for university I doubt I would be where I am now to be honest.”

 

Aside from university, Joe would travel home every weekend to make sure he could play for local side Littleton F.C, where he boasts a remarkable scoring tally of 88 goals in 83 games; he definitely knows where the onion bag is that’s for sure. However, it’s university where Joe feels his talents were recognised, allowing him to express himself not just in his education, but on the football field; this is probably the place where Joe felt most at home. Goal after goal drew the attention of the England Universities scouts, where Joe would be selected to represent the elite at university level. Sounds impressive doesn’t it, well… Joe grabbed a brace off the bench against Wales, which further enhanced his ever growing reputation, and from that success, he gained an unexpected call up to represent the Great Britain side in the University Olympics… in Russia! “I could not believe it, I had to pinch myself. It felt like a dream, still does, getting the call up for England Universities was incredible, and wearing the full England kit was amazing. I felt like a pro. The Great Britain call up was surreal, we finished second in the tournament, only to lose on penalties in the final to France. It was hard to take losing that way, but overall a great experience, one I will cherish forever.”

 

A pro Joe would be, Great Britain and first team coach of Skrill Conference Premier League side Kidderminster Harriers, Steve Guinan was impressed enough to offer Joe a trial with the club. Joe would take his chance, blasting a 20 minute hat-trick in a pre- season friendly to demolish Chasetown F.C, almost single handed, as he tore their defence to pieces! What a way to introduce yourself to the ‘Kiddy’ fans.

 

The 21-year-old Brummie was offered a one-year contract off the back of that game, and let’s just say he has not looked back. Scoring four goals in league and cup competitions, Joe has become a firm fan’s favourite, “Joe Lolley ma Lord, Joe Lolley, Joe Lolley ma Lord, Joe Lolley, Joe Lolley ma Lord, Joe Lolley, ohhhh Lord Joe Lolley” – a song the Kidderminster fans bellow from the terraces every game. The humble lad from Redditch was bright red in the face. You could see the overwhelming happiness, but also an overriding sense of embarrassment when discussing the song, “It’s a strange but great feeling of course, I’m not used to it, it’s what every lad growing up dreams about I’m sure, for the fans to sing my name, it means I’m doing something right, just hope I keep putting in good performances.”

 

The good performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Speculation in the media of interest from Championship clubs Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and League two Fleetwood Town have been doing the rounds. Joe, flattered of course, but playing regular professional games is a priority for him as he looks to make his mark and gain promotion to the football league, after injuries at a young age prevented him from gaining a scholarship with Birmingham City. “Playing regular football for me is key, I’m really enjoying my football at the minute. I feel really fit and sharp. We have a good squad here and we all believe in our ability, there’s a buzz about the place and we feel reaching the football league is definitely achievable.”

 

Joe’s ability to beat players at ease has won plaudits throughout football, and this week 2013 got just that little bit better. He received a call up to the England C squad via social media site Twitter, “How I found out was quite funny really, I was actually on the phone to a friend when I received the news, I got a text through congratulating me from one of my teammates, who saw it on Twitter, a very strange way to find out that I’ve made the England squad, but one I will take that’s for sure.”

 

A key component of the Harrier’s striking department, Lolley, some would argue, is one of the first names on the team sheet. He’s achieved a lot in the past twelve months, but the most noticeable thing when meeting him was his attitude, to succeed whilst being very down to earth; no ego, no persona, just a genuine desire to win in the game, a refreshing change from today’s modern day footballer. I have no doubts Joe will go far in the game, he’s level-headed and very talented and has the right people around him; a recipe for success.‘

 

A dream come true’ best describes the past year or so for Joe, who will admit himself that it’s been an unbelievable experience so far, “I’m just taking each day as it comes, focusing on keeping fit and healthy and trying not to look too far into the future. I do miss university and going out with my mates, but this means everything to me, to do something I love as a job every day is a childhood dream.”

 

You might be thinking what’s next for Joe, a whirlwind year that just keeps on getting better and better, ‘a dream year.’ Who knows what the future holds for any aspiring footballer in the modern game, but when you have the potential and attitude of Joe, it certainly looks like he will continue to hit the back of the net for years to come.