LOCALS joke more seagulls watch Weston-super-Mare AFC matches than supporters.
The semi-professional team competes in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football.
But Ollie Watkins says his time at the club helped him to fire England into the Euros final on Sunday.
The striker, 28, said: "To go from grassroots football to becoming an England international, it has been a bit of a journey but it has been a great journey." Watkins came off the bench on Wednesday night to dramatically score a 90th-minute winner in England's 2-1 semi-final victory against the Netherlands.
As millions watched at home, pubs and fan parks, around 25,000 Three Lions supporters cheered him on at the BVB Stadium.
It is a far cry from Weston-super-Mare's Woodspring Stadium in Somerset, which had an average gate of 1,090 last year.
Watkins lined out for The Seagulls a decade ago while on loan from Exeter City and players recall he used to get fined £5 for being late at training or wearing the wrong kit.
They also remember his speed and ability but never imagined he would be scoring in a Euros semifinal. While England's Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka were in top academies from the age of six, Watkins had a tougher start.
He was initially rejected by Exeter City and played for Buckland Athletic under-nines.
Denne historien er fra July 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BRAVERU WORLD
United stars are bracing themselves for a huge shake-up under Amorim and De Ligt admits that they must be ready
MERINO: WE MUST BE SPECIAL
Mikel: We must forget recent blip, stay positive & win every gave
CHANGES.OR DIE
Gusto says having a big Chelsea squad isn't a problem...it's vital if the Blues want to build a winning team
HIT THE WRIGHT WAIT NOTE
Boss jeered as Oz player but hopes Hull fans will soon sing his praises
GP didn't tell family of low' teen's suicide plan TRAGEDY
Anger over experts' double error
REFFING & BLINDING
Prem official is suspended for sweary Klopp rant film
told or Grenadian neighbour, left Red alert on pace of climate change
Stark report at Cop29 summit
Glowing old gracef
Linda's joy at non-surgical facelift result
Ex-soldier admits escaping jail strapped under a lorrý
Khalife changes plea but still on spy rap
My mum's killer came out of his home & his evil eyes flashed at me
Son confronts Muriel's murderer, 55 years on