Life as a Professional

Lee Carsley

In the summer of 2000 at the age of 16, I moved into digs at Derby. Initially I found it difficult, although Derby is only 45 minutes up the motorway, at that age and probably because of the closeness of the family, homesickness was a problem. I spent the first couple of years in the youth team and by the third year I was training with the first team. In making progress I have to thank John Peacock, the Academy Director. It also helped that there were a couple of Brummies at the club – all of which went out of their way to make we welcome and offer me advice. Lee Carsley was from the same area of Birmingham as me, and both Dean Strurridge and Darry Powell were a big help.

By now I’d passed my driving test and bought an apartment in the city – life was very enjoyable and it got better when I was offered a four-year contract!

I made my debut as a sub in a Carling Cup game in a 3-1 win away to Mansfield, and in the following game I made my league debut in a 1-0 away win at Palace. I had a good run in the side… until suffering a broken ankle. After four months out I returned to first team action against Sheffield United and then managed to tear a thigh muscle. So my first season, although a general success was a made very frustrating through injury!

John Gregory – gave me my debut

George Burley took over from John Gregory the week after my thigh injury – although it wasn’t until we reported back fro the 2003/4 pre-season that he got to see me play. I started the season opener – at home to Stoke – and then was made sub for the following game. I then found myself out of the squad – something that was obviously very disappointing for me. I went to the manager and was told that I wasn’t in his immediate plans. With having made the breakthrough during the previous season my ambitions were such that I wanted to play first team football. After discussing the situation we agreed that it would be in my interests to go out on loan.

I joined Southend at the end of October and made my debut at home to Northampton on the 1st of November 2003. In writing this in February 2004, I can honestly say that it’s been a great move for me. I’ve played when I’ve been fit and there’s a good set of lads and a good management team here. Although I’m more experienced in midfield, I’ve played at fullback and also centre-back. I’m here until the end of the season and we’ll see what happens in May. I’m happy and enjoying my football…life is good!

Roots Hall – home of Southend