31st March 2021
Interview conducted by Adam Holt
Current Team: Stratford Town F.C.
Previous Clubs: Youth Career: Coventry City, Liverpool (2009 - 2013) Senior Career: Swindon Town (2013 - 2016), Southport (2016, loan), Oxford City (2016 - 2017), Nuneaton Town (2017), Hinckley AFC (2017), Swindon Supermarine (2018), Romulus (2018 - 2019), Nuneaton Borough (2019 - 2020), Stratford Town (2020-)
I have recently caught up with ex-Swindon, Nuneaton and current Stratford Town goalkeeper Tyrell Belford for a Q&A on his career to date. Topics include his career highlight so far and he also talks about his time at Swindon as well as his experiences in Liverpool's academy - but this just scratches the surface there are numerous other topics explored in this Q&A, so do check it out below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"I always supported Aston Villa as a kid, the club was in the family and my grandad is a huge Villa fan so was he always a big interest to me watching them. UTV."
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career so far?
"The highlight of my career I would say playing for Swindon Town in League One played in some big games and proud to have represented the club."
Even though you did not quite make it to the senior team, how great was the experience of being in Liverpool’s academy setup?
"The setup was unreal, and I trained with the first team on a fairly regular basis and travelled to games with them a few times and was involved in the match day warm ups, but I just never managed to make the bench at a very young age."
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career and why?
"My favourite manager I will have to be honest and say my Dad. He never treated me any differently to any other player in fact was probably more critical of me, but he knew what made me tick and got the best out of me when I wasn’t enjoying my football at the time. He was a great man manager and I’ve played for some bad managers over the years who’s mismanagement was terrible. Dealing with players in the right manner is key as a manager."
What were your feelings upon leaving Swindon Town in 2016?
"Looking back at my time at Swindon I wouldn’t have left when I did, it was a decision I made that I regretted however I wanted to be playing every week."
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career to date?
"I would say my biggest challenge to date was being involved at my local club Nuneaton Town at the time I dealt with a lot of stuff behind the scenes that people have never seen and heard about. I won’t speak bad of the club because times have changed and Jimmy Ginnelly is now in charge who I respect massively in football so they are in a better position now with him at the helm."
How enjoyable was your time at Romulus?
"I loved my time at the Roms the club have some excellent people behind the scenes they work very hard, from Richard Evans to Roger (Evans) and many more I try to get over and watch games when I can. Up the Roms!"
Finally, How good was the experience of representing England at youth level?
"Of course representing your country at any level is amazing I got to do it a various different levels and still have my England caps at home with my tops from the U17 World Cup so very proud moments for me and my family."
I really hope you enjoyed reading this Q&A - keep an eye out for more coming soon!
Previous Clubs: Youth Career: Coventry City, Liverpool (2009 - 2013) Senior Career: Swindon Town (2013 - 2016), Southport (2016, loan), Oxford City (2016 - 2017), Nuneaton Town (2017), Hinckley AFC (2017), Swindon Supermarine (2018), Romulus (2018 - 2019), Nuneaton Borough (2019 - 2020), Stratford Town (2020-)
I have recently caught up with ex-Swindon, Nuneaton and current Stratford Town goalkeeper Tyrell Belford for a Q&A on his career to date. Topics include his career highlight so far and he also talks about his time at Swindon as well as his experiences in Liverpool's academy - but this just scratches the surface there are numerous other topics explored in this Q&A, so do check it out below!
Who did you support growing up, and did you have a footballing idol? If so, why?
"I always supported Aston Villa as a kid, the club was in the family and my grandad is a huge Villa fan so was he always a big interest to me watching them. UTV."
What would you say is the highlight of your playing career so far?
"The highlight of my career I would say playing for Swindon Town in League One played in some big games and proud to have represented the club."
Even though you did not quite make it to the senior team, how great was the experience of being in Liverpool’s academy setup?
"The setup was unreal, and I trained with the first team on a fairly regular basis and travelled to games with them a few times and was involved in the match day warm ups, but I just never managed to make the bench at a very young age."
Who has been your favourite manager to play for throughout your career and why?
"My favourite manager I will have to be honest and say my Dad. He never treated me any differently to any other player in fact was probably more critical of me, but he knew what made me tick and got the best out of me when I wasn’t enjoying my football at the time. He was a great man manager and I’ve played for some bad managers over the years who’s mismanagement was terrible. Dealing with players in the right manner is key as a manager."
What were your feelings upon leaving Swindon Town in 2016?
"Looking back at my time at Swindon I wouldn’t have left when I did, it was a decision I made that I regretted however I wanted to be playing every week."
What would you say was the biggest challenge of your football career to date?
"I would say my biggest challenge to date was being involved at my local club Nuneaton Town at the time I dealt with a lot of stuff behind the scenes that people have never seen and heard about. I won’t speak bad of the club because times have changed and Jimmy Ginnelly is now in charge who I respect massively in football so they are in a better position now with him at the helm."
How enjoyable was your time at Romulus?
"I loved my time at the Roms the club have some excellent people behind the scenes they work very hard, from Richard Evans to Roger (Evans) and many more I try to get over and watch games when I can. Up the Roms!"
Finally, How good was the experience of representing England at youth level?
"Of course representing your country at any level is amazing I got to do it a various different levels and still have my England caps at home with my tops from the U17 World Cup so very proud moments for me and my family."
I really hope you enjoyed reading this Q&A - keep an eye out for more coming soon!