'Waiting for me' - Jarrad Branthwaite recalls Neil Warnock clash and reveals Everton 'goosebumps' moment
Jarrad Branthwaite returned to Everton from PSV determined to establish himself as a Premier League player and having worked his way into Sean Dyche’s side he can now look back with a smile on the time he was almost let go by his local side Carlisle United as a teenager.
It’s been a big summer for Branthwaite, who turned 21 and was part of the England squad that triumphed in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
However, as he prepares to face Arsenal in the biggest domestic club competition in the world, the centre-back reflects on almost not making it as a professional footballer, even though by his own admission, he had no idea what else he would have done.
Branthwaite said: “When I was at Carlisle I was just enjoying playing football for my home town club through the age groups from eight to 15. It got to the point of where it was about getting your scholarships and they weren’t going to give me one.
Jarrad Branthwaite makes Beto prediction as Everton defender reveals Ruud van Nistelrooy masterclass
Kevin Thelwell breaks silence on Everton’s lack of transfer deadline day signings and Alex Iwobi sale
“I said to my dad I was going to quit football and pursue something else. He said no that wasn’t going to happen and gave me a programme to follow so I had six weeks to prove to them that I was good enough to be given a scholarship.
“I followed that programme to get fitter and stronger. It put me in good stead and I got offered one and it went on from there really.”
After just nine games in League Two for the Cumbrians, Branthwaite was spotted by then Everton director of football Marcel Brands’ scouting team – the Dutchman would take him to PSV last term – and became the first signing of the Carlo Ancelotti era in
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
