I've Learned So Much From My Amazing Adventures
The Football League Paper|January 14, 2018

I've Learned So Much From My Amazing Adventures

Chris Dunlavy
I've Learned So Much From My Amazing Adventures

STEVE Archibald at Barcelona. Alan McInally with Bayern Munich. John Collins at Monaco. Until 2015, only three Scots had ever won a title on foreign soil.

Then, with nary a hint of recognition or fanfare, Barry Douglas made it four. When the 28-year-old won the Polish championship with Lech Poznan three years ago, almost 100,000 fans lined the ancient streets outside Ostrow Cathedral to welcome their heroes home.

The mayor gave a speech. National newspapers and state television heralded Poznan’s achievement for weeks on end.

A Polish Super Cup was followed by a move to Konyaspor in Turkey’s Asian hinterland. There, an unprecedented thirdplace finish was capped by the club’s first silverware in 95 years when they won the Turkish Cup after a penalty shoot-out. This time, Douglas was chaired from the pitch by 30,000 flare-wielding fans.

Yet ask the average Brit if they’ve heard of the intrepid Glaswegian and most will shrug their shoulders. Not that he’s bothered.

“I’ve made friends with people I might never have known and seen parts of the world I might never have seen,” says the Wolves full-back. “I won things I never dreamed of winning. If people didn’t notice, I don’t care. I wouldn’t change those times for anything.”

Douglas is that rare breed; a British footballer who not only thrived abroad but embraced the language and culture. Yet his move to Poland in 2013 was, to all intents and purposes, a fluke.

“I was playing for Dundee United at the time and Poznan had sent scouts over to watch Johnny Russell (now Derby),” he recalls. “Luckily, I was in a rich vein of form and they got in touch.

Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin January 14, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin January 14, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAPER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
The Football League Paper

LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM

Swans bid to mark new era in style...

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
The Football League Paper

MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD

WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
The Football League Paper

TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN

AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS  GRAB POINTS
The Football League Paper

DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS

NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
The Football League Paper

SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER

CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
The Football League Paper

COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH

HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
The Football League Paper

HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE

WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
The Football League Paper

MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW

Rangers home run continues

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
The Football League Paper

BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS

LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Rohl confident Owls
The Football League Paper

Rohl confident Owls

DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 24, 2024