Cameron Humphreys: Taking part in in opposition to Arsenal introduced again Metropolis youth recollections
Getting the possibility to play in opposition to Arsenal introduced again just a few recollections for Cameron Humphreys, having grown up at Manchester Metropolis.
Even for a aspect in Port Vale which are struggling close to the underside of League One, they gave the Gunners a correct battle once they met within the third spherical of the Carabao Cup in October.
“It was just frustrating that the first goal was so lucky for them,” Humphreys says. “I honestly don’t think they bothered us as much as I thought they would. It was 2-0 against a top team. You see what they do to sides in Europe. I’m proud of our performance, really.”
Humphreys additionally made two cameos within the FA Cup for Manchester Metropolis in 2015/16.
“It was unreal,” he recollects. “It seems like absolute donkey’s years in the past now. I am 27 however really feel like an previous man as a result of I began so younger. They’re proud recollections.
“Playing against Arsenal a few weeks ago brought that back. Full stadiums, great atmosphere. It was really exciting and a bit of a throwback for me.”
Rob Avenue believes he can discover ruthless streak once more
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Lincoln ahead Rob Avenue believes he can recapture the shape that noticed him excel on mortgage at Doncaster final season
Rob Avenue has been an everyday characteristic in a Lincoln Metropolis aspect competing close to the highest of the desk, however he’s nonetheless but to fairly discover the goalscoring contact he had at Doncaster Rovers final season.
Whereas on mortgage in League Two, his 12 objectives in 22 video games helped hearth Donny to the League Two title. This season, issues have been somewhat completely different. Performances have been good, however the objectives have not fairly flowed. Nevertheless, he did rating in opposition to Chelsea within the Carabao Cup.
“I think there were a few different reasons,” Avenue says. “Confidence is massive in football. When you’re on a run and playing well, you almost feel invincible every time you step on the pitch. You know you’ll get chances and score goals.
“We had a robust, collectively group at Doncaster, a bit like what we have right here. If we are able to stick collectively and hold performing, it may be the same state of affairs to what it was like at Doncaster final season, and I do not see why it might’t be.
“As a player, the best thing you can have is belief in yourself, and I’ve definitely tried to bring that into this season. I’m constantly learning. Different roles, different teams, and trying to be as impactful as possible. At the end of the day, we all want to play and perform, and that’s the main thing.”
Tom Barkhuizen: Preston was the place I performed my finest soccer
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Barrow’s Tom Barkhuizen tells Sky Sports activities about his spell at Preston North Finish being the most effective of his profession
Aged 32 and now taking part in in Barrow, Tom Barkhuizen is ready to mirror somewhat extra on his achievements in soccer.
“Preston was where I played my best football and had the most enjoyment,” he says of the membership the place he performed from 2017 to 2022. “I probably only realised that after leaving. When you’re in your 20s, you’re constantly chasing progress and sometimes forget to enjoy it.
“Trying again, that was the most effective 5 – 6 years of my profession – nice staff, nice supervisor, nice ambiance. After I retire, I will look again on that interval with a variety of pleasure.”
Barkhuizen is now definitely enjoying things again as a regular at Barrow, after struggling for games in his final season at Derby.
“Final 12 months was tough, not taking part in that a lot,” he admits. “I felt like I might have contributed extra with my expertise at that stage, however that is soccer. It isn’t at all times right down to you, and typically you’ve got simply received to get on with it. The 12 months earlier than, we received promoted and I performed fairly just a few video games, so it has been combined.
“I wanted to come somewhere I could make a difference, whether that’s on the pitch or as an older player in the dressing room. I feel like I’ve got that here. I’ve started every game since the first of the season, and I’m trying to be a leader off the pitch and help us progress.”
Jack Lankester: Travelling with the staff whereas injured helped hold the excitement alive
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Crewe Alexandra’s Jack Lankester tells Sky Sports activities about how he stayed constructive throughout an extended damage layoff
Damage struck at a nasty time for Jack Lankester. Having simply moved to Crewe Alexandra, he was taking part in nicely, solely to finish up injured for many of 2025.
Even whereas absent, he was decided to remain concerned as he might along with his team-mates.
“I did a lot of travelling with the team at the end of last year and the start of this one before I was even back playing,” he says. “I spoke to the gaffer about it because it keeps the buzz of the game alive. Staying at home and watching on TV would’ve made me feel worse, but being there and helping however I could made me feel better. Hopefully, those days are behind me now.
“I attempted to carry as a lot vitality and positivity as I might on matchdays. I would act like I used to be nonetheless a part of the squad, up for choice although I wasn’t. Seeing issues from a distinct perspective helped, and I simply needed to help the staff nonetheless attainable.”
Now 25, the move to Crewe was also his first time away from home. It afforded him the opportunity to mature away from the pitch as well as on it.
“I feel shifting away has helped me develop up a bit,” Lankester adds. “It is all new experiences, dwelling by yourself and adapting.
“Some of the other lads like Max Sanders are in the same boat, and we help each other out. We’re both southerners living up north, but I’m enjoying it.”
Jamie Walker on his teaching journey and Hearts hopes
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Jamie Walker tells Sky Sports activities about his Sky Wager League Two Objective of the Month-winning strike throughout Grimsby’s 7-1 win in opposition to Cheltenham
Jamie Walker continues to be impressing on the pitch for Grimsby City, however at 32, he has additionally begun steps for what comes past his taking part in profession, having began his personal teaching undertaking in Bradford.
“I enjoy coaching,” Walker says. “As I’ve got older, I’ve started thinking about what comes after football. After getting promoted with Bradford, I stayed in the area and thought it was a good opportunity to pass on my knowledge to kids.
“It is nonetheless early days. We have solely been going for just a few months, however I am actually having fun with it. I’ve accomplished my B Licence lately, and I like teaching and serving to the youthful technology.
“I’ve got a son, and as he’s got older and started playing grassroots football, I got roped into helping out. I really enjoyed it and took more interest. Now I’m properly into it and loving it.”
Walker’s son, similar to him, is an enormous fan of Hearts. That’s the place the Scotsman began his profession, and the place his coronary heart – excuse the pun – nonetheless lies. He’s hopeful a title push within the Scottish Premiership is feasible after such a great begin, albeit he stays cautious.
“My son’s definitely a Hearts fan,” Walker says. “He doesn’t really have any other option with my family! He’s got a bond with Grimsby and Bradford too, but deep down he still loves Hearts. When we’ve got time off, we’ll often go up to watch them.
“I grew up going to the video games each week and was fortunate sufficient to play over 200 instances for the membership. I’ve seen them begin nicely earlier than after which fall again, however they’ve made an important begin this season. They’ve signed good gamers and have a robust supervisor, so hopefully that is the 12 months they obtain one thing particular.”
Saturday’s EFL fixtures
Each recreation is dwell on Sky Sports activities+ and the Sky Sports activities app, with free highlights on the Sky Sports activities app shortly after full-time. 3pm kick-offs until acknowledged.
League One
- Burton vs Blackpool
- Leyton Orient vs Exeter
- Lincoln vs Doncaster
- Luton vs Rotherham
- Port Vale vs Wycombe
League Two
- Accrington vs Bristol Rovers
- Bromley vs Barrow
- Cambridge vs Barnet
- Fleetwood vs Swindon
- Grimsby vs Chesterfield
- MK Dons vs Salford
- Notts County vs Harrogate
- Oldham vs Crewe
- Shrewsbury vs Newport
- Tranmere vs Cheltenham
- Walsall vs Colchester
- Gillingham vs Crawley (5.30pm)
