Soccer has been Armando Dobra’s life for so long as he can bear in mind.
“I always had a ball at my feet,” he tells Sky Sports activities. “After I was 5 – 6, I noticed an area crew coaching and requested my mum if I might be a part of. My dad spoke to the coach, and from then I by no means stopped enjoying.
“I broke a few windows at home kicking the ball around, but football has always been my passion.”
The fervour took him to Ipswich City, the place he joined the academy as a youngster. When he was 18 he made his debut, and scored in a Carabao Cup defeat to Luton City.
Again then the Tractor Boys have been struggling in League One and Dobra was annoyed as alternatives proved exhausting to come back by.
“The goal against Luton was one of the best moments of my career,” he recollects. “I acquired some minutes and had curiosity from Premier League golf equipment.
“Brighton made a bid for me, and there was curiosity from Leeds and Atalanta, however Ipswich turned it down. They instructed me I used to be a part of their plans, and out of loyalty I stayed as a result of they gave me my begin.
“I didn’t get the opportunity I feel I deserved at Ipswich. I was playing well but didn’t get a consistent run of games. Once you’ve had a taste of first-team football, you want more.
“It was irritating that it did not work out, however all the things occurs for a cause.”
The rationale was ultimately a transfer to Chesterfield – initially on mortgage – to hyperlink again up along with his former Ipswich supervisor Paul Prepare dinner.
“When Ipswich brought in more players, I knew my chances would be limited and I wanted regular football. The gaffer knew me from Ipswich, so I joined him there and have loved my time since.
“After I joined Chesterfield, I instructed the supervisor to guage me on my performances. If I did not play effectively, do not decide me. However give me a couple of video games and I would show myself. I’ve finished that and repaid the religion the membership and supervisor confirmed in me.”
Dobra, now 24, certainly has. There were 10 goals as Chesterfield won promotion from the National League in 2023/24, and nine in League Two last season as they made a run to the play-off semi-finals. Had Dobra been fit enough to start the first leg – in which they suffered a costly 2-0 defeat at home to Walsall – it may have been a different story.
This season, Chesterfield are challenging at the right end again. Dobra has four goals and two assists to his name. But he’s striving for better.
Dobra throughout his youthful days at Ipswich City
“I could have had more, but that’s football. you miss some and score some. The goal is always to improve and keep pushing for more.
“One factor I’ve needed so as to add to my sport is extra assists. I did not create as many final season, so I am centered on offering clear probabilities for my team-mates.
“I’m confident in my ability to score and create. The most important thing is playing well and helping the team win.”
Dobra harbours hopes of enjoying at senior degree for Albania – whom he has represented at youth ranges – and of enjoying on the prime desk within the English sport. The 2 objectives would little doubt assist each other.
And he has religion in himself that he can hit these heights.
“I’ve learned from the experience and still believe I can reach the top,” he says. “Players have gone from non-league to the Premier League, and that motivates me every day.
“I consider Chesterfield can attain League One and even the Championship within the subsequent few years. Gamers like Ollie Watkins and Jamie Vardy present what’s doable. You possibly can’t quit in your objectives, irrespective of the place you are enjoying.”
It’s a degree of dedication that would take Dobra, and Chesterfield, far.
