‘We're A Small Club But We've Got Hunger To Upset The Odds'
The Football League Paper|October 27, 2019
DOMINIC Gape was 14 and a hot prospect at Southampton when he made a deal with his parents.
Chris Dunlavy
‘We're A Small Club But We've Got Hunger To Upset The Odds'

“From my home in Dorset to training at Staplewood was a three-hour round trip,” explains the Wycombe midfielder, now 25.

“My parents drove that for me four times a week for three years. They never complained. All they asked was that, in return, I take my education seriously.”

Gape proved a man - or boy - of his word. Straight A’s in his GCSEs. A diploma with distinction as part of his scholarship at Saints.

And ten years on, he continues to hold up his end of the bargain by studying for a degree in business management with the Open University.

“I’m in my third year of six, so it’s a bit of a slog,” laughs Gape, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Chairboys since arriving from Southampton, initially on loan, in 2016.

Recovery

“But I’m enjoying it, and I think it’s the right thing to do. You look at Juan Mata, who has multiple degrees. Vincent Kompany has a master's in business administration. They are both players I look up to.

“It was an obvious step for me. As a youth team footballer, your days are full. Then you go into the first-team, where there are a lot more games and therefore a lot more recovery. You have a lot of downtimes and need to be off your feet.”

But doesn’t that mean jumping in a golf buggy or settling into a lengthy session of FIFA or Fortnite?

“For some people, yeah,” says Gape. “And that’s fine. If people enjoy playing video games and that takes their mind off football, great. But personally, I do need to be stimulated in a way that challenges me a little bit.

Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin October 27, 2019 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 October 27, 2019 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
END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
The Football League Paper

END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS

EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.

time-read
1 min  |
November 03, 2024
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
The Football League Paper

GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY

THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
The Football League Paper

KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN

HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
The Football League Paper

ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...

DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
The Football League Paper

MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS

HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL  GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
The Football League Paper

'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'

GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 03, 2024
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
The Football League Paper

POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES

Murphy's in to deny the Tigers

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
The Football League Paper

SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH

NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
The Football League Paper

Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues

MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
The Football League Paper

JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE

FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 03, 2024