DYER'S GONE A FULL CIRCLE

FOOTBALL has taken Alex Dyer around the world, but the 32-yearold is delighted to bring his pearls of wisdom back to Wealdstone.

- Sean Cole

His first spell at the club started a decade earlier and relaunched his career after being released by Northampton Town as a teenager. Dropping into Non-League humbled him.

“When I look back now, I was arrogant. I thought I’d easily find another team,” admits Dyer. “It took me a while to adjust. Once I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and feeling entitled, that’s when I grew up and realised I’d got to start from scratch. It was a good reality check.”

Joining Wealdstone, who were then in the Isthmian League Premier Division, was a shock to the system. Dyer had to leave his ego at the door and embrace a more challenging environment. Regular game time improved him.

“My first spell in NonLeague was amazing,” says the midfielder. “It allowed me to play first-Team football every single week and learn the competitive edge of needing to win. I was able to find myself as a player and gain confidence and match experience. Nothing can replicate that.”

Vision

Dyer was also studying for a degree in accountancy and played for Great Britain at the World University Games in Russia, claiming a silver medal. The team’s coach, James Ellis, was friends with Graham Potter, then in charge of little-known Swedish side Östersunds, and put them in touch.