#professional-football

#professional-football

The first day of preseason is possibly the most positive moment of the entire year for professional footballers. Players experience excitement, hope, and anticipation, regardless of past seasons.

‘Certain opportunities only come along once in a lifetime,’ says Truro City manager John Askey, reflecting on his team’s unexpected rise to success. Guided by Askey, Truro City achieved promotion to the highest tier of non-league football. This transition from a part-time to a fully professional setup represents a significant milestone, as they are the first team from Cornwall to reach this level. Captain Connor Riley-Lowe remarks on the adjustments required in training while managing a full-time job, sharing both the challenges and rewards of this new chapter in his career.

"As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with a gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way."

I had some offers to play in the [Club] World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year.

It's important to remember that coaching a team is a collective effort and not solely the responsibility of the head coach, Vincent Kompany.