Smith Rowe, 22, has represented the Gunners since 2010 but it was Southern Combination side Glebe FC who first discovered his talents.
“The kid had everything,” recalls the club’s founder Rocky McMillan.
“His parents lived nearby, in Thornton Heath, and one of our coaches, Jerry Dolan, spotted him and brought him along.
“He was with us for two years, for Under 8s and Under 9s, and right from the start you could see he was something special. Just the size of his legs, his pace, strength and composure in his finishing.
“He also had good parental guidance around him, from his Dad, and that ensured he had a fantastic attitude to the game and to those around him. He was just a fantastic kid all round.
“It was obvious to everyone he was going to be a serious baller. Teams were putting six men across the back to stop him but with one touch he was away from them all!
“Word soon got around and we literally had every top club in London come down to watch him.
“He went to Chelsea first but I don’t think his Dad liked it there so he came back here and then immediately went off to Arsenal, and the rest is history.”
Bu hikaye The Non-League Football Paper dergisinin July 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Non-League Football Paper dergisinin July 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
REEGAN'S MESSAGE: IT IS NOT ALL OVER
SECOND-placed Evesham United took all three points against leaders Yate Town and cut their lead to seven points with nine games to play.
ANGELO SENT TO LEAD CITY
ANGELO Harrop believes Chelmsford City have the potential to one day become a Football League club after the former Braintree Town boss was lined up as Robbie Simpson’s successor.
HOOPER STRIKES TO TAME TIGERS
A SUPERB second-half strike from Brad Hooper secured the win for Hungerford at Bulpit Lane to keep their play-off hopes alive.
HOT SHOT TOMMY'S FIGHTING FIT AGAIN
TOMMY Widdrington says guiding Aldershot Town to the Isuzu FA Trophy final, just weeks after fighting for his life in a hospital bed, would prove the highest point of his managerial career.
DANNY'S GOT THE BOARD'S BACKING
THERE was a moment when Danny Wilkins realised that becoming Clitheroe FC’s next chairman might not be such a mad idea.
VASE IS ADDED FOIL FOR COYLE
WHITSTABLE Town player-manager Jamie Coyle says winning the Isuzu FA Vase would be the crowning glory of his 20-year career.
NOW GO FINISH IT IN STYLE
TITLE-CHASING BOSS TO LEAVE
C'EST BONNE
Mac on the mark as Bees close in
DALE DELIVER A HAT-TRICK!
JIMMY McNulty hailed his Rochdale troops after disposing of Wealdstone to keep their their play-off hopes alive.
DOE'S CREATION TOPPING THE BIL
NON-LEAGUE Day founder James Doe believes the backing of Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao – and La Liga – has added even more impetus to this year’s event.
