EAGER GORDON BIDS TO JUMP UP

A BRIEF dalliance with basketball and early experiences in Non-League football have blessed Josh Gordon with a remarkable leaping ability and now he’s looking to soar all the way to League Two promotion.

- Luke Baker

Despite his 5ft 10in frame, the Walsall forward often gets the best of giant defenders in the air, allying that with a fiery attitude and relentless work ethic to become a fan favourite.

That work ethic helped him navigate a long road into professional football – being released by Stoke as a teenager due to his height and earning a university degree while playing for Nantwich Town and Stafford Rangers before getting a shot with Leicester City.

That eventually led him to Walsall in 2018 and Gordon, who turned 26 yesterday, is thankful for the experiences which shaped the player he is today.

“Everyone always mentions me competing in the air and how my aerial duels are good for my size,” said Gordon. “I think that comes from starting from a young age in NonLeague after being released by Stoke when I was 15 because of my physical attributes.