Mansfield Town striker making most of second chance after ‘sad’ Derby County exit
Latest Derby County news from Derbyshire Live brings you what the Stags forward has said after he was part of Derby’s youth set-up
Mansfield Town striker James Gale says being released by Derby County as a teenager was a “sad moment” but is grateful at being given a chance to make it in the professional game.
The Stags forward made his full league debut for Nigel Clough’s side at the weekend as they were held to a goalless draw by Sutton United in League Two.
Gale gave the shirt of his home debut to his dad having highlighted the impact of his parents for helping him overcome the disappointment of leaving the Rams.
The 21-year-old dropped into non-league with Long Eaton before the Stags came calling in 17 months ago and has now made 11 appearances this season.
And Gale told the Mansfield Chad: “I was at Derby up to U14s and then got released.
“It was a sad moment for me and my family as we’d worked hard for five or six years towards that. But my mum and dad were very helpful in getting me back on track and focusing on other aspects of life that are just as important as football.
“I went off to play non-league at Long Eaton U16s and broke my way into their first team.
“I wasn’t really planning to be a footballer when I was 18. I was just playing with my friends.
“But when I was 19 I just turned it on a bit, got my fitness up, and when this opportunity came along I couldn’t say no.
“There have been times when it was challenging with the demand and pressure of training every day, but for the most part I have enjoyed it and I want to keep learning from experienced pros.
“Kevin Phillips didn’t play pro until he was about 22, so I think there will always be opportunities out there for older players who maybe think it’s over, but it’s not.”
Gale learned he would be starting for Mansfield the day before the game against Sutton and said the rest of the dressing room helped him deal with the nerves.
“I was told I was starting on Friday just after training which gave me 24 hours to get ready for it mentally and physically to make sure I was ready to perform,” he said.
“I couldn’t really believe it to be fair. I’ve not had a lot of game time this year but I have been working towards it and it was an opportunity I was there ready to take.