If you pay a particular interest in youth football in Barnsley then the name Joe Blair is one you may have heard kicking about If you aren’t familiar with this tricky trequartista by now, just give it a few years and you’ll be sick of hearing his name because this young maestro is destined for big things (you heard it here first).
After playing for his local youth team, Penistone Church, for six years Joe’s talent was finally recognised by none other than Barnsley FC academy coach and ex-reds legend Martin Devaney who had been recently appointed to his position by the club and was very impressed by the way Joe “brought energy to the midfield”.
After playing for Barnsley FC under 18’s for almost 5 years now, Blair’s individual brilliance is still apparent in every game he plays. As he approaches the point in his career where he can start to play for the first team, provided he is offered a professional contract, we at ToP Corner have managed to secure an interview with the budding young number 10 to see just how Joe is planning to take this big step up to achieving his dream of playing for the club he has supported since he was a boy.
Interviewer: So Joe, did you ever think you’d get this far into a footballing career?
Joe: Well I’d always hoped so. I mean, every young lad who’s into football dreams of being able to play professionally don’t they. It’s hard to accurately judge your own ability when you’re young so I really didn’t know how far I’d get.
Interviewer: What’s it like being able to play for your boyhood club?
Joe: Amazing! I’ve loved this club all my life, all my family are Barnsley fans. One of my best memories as a fan was sitting behind the goal in the ponty with my dad and watching Kayode Odejayi thump one past Chelsea, the ground just erupted, I’d never experienced anything like it before, it’s something I’ll never forget.
Interviewer: Have the club made you an offer for a professional contract?
Joe: Well you know I can’t reveal too much, but discussions are taking place.
Interviewer: People have been saying just how talented you are from a very young age. What do you make of all the ‘hype’ surrounding you and how does it affect the way you play?
Joe: I try to block it out if I’m being honest. If you let the fame get to you it can make you overconfident which will have a negative impact on the way you play. I’ve always tried to keep a level head and just concentrate on my game.
Interviewer: Whom was your favourite player growing up?
Joe: It’s got to be Brian Howard purely for that last minute winner he scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup. My dad took me to that game and I remember the noise when the shot went in, it was deafening.
Interviewer: Have you always wanted to play in the position you play in now?
Joe: I wasn’t really sure where I wanted to play when I was younger, I don’t suppose anyone does really. I was always one of the more athletic kids so I never get stuck in net; and I’ve never been big so I was never going to be a defender. I feel like the position I play suits my style well you know, high intensity stuff.
Interviewer: Well Joe, I’m afraid thats all the questions we’ve got for you today, thank you for your time.
Joe: It’s been a pleasure, I cant wait to see my face in the magazine! Try and make me look good in the pictures you use yeah.
Interviewer: Well thats all down to the editors but I’m sure they’ll do a good job, they usually do!
Well, we hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we enjoyed conducting it. Joe is an excellent young footballer and is remarkably professional for his age. Watch this space!
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