Everton defender Ben Godfrey has revealed how he had to cope with rejection from Leeds United and several other clubs before making it as professional footballer. The versatile defender has flourished at Goodison Park, earning his first England call-up, but his path to the top level was not without setbacks.
Godfrey says he was turned down by Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley before making a top flight breakthrough. He was shown the door by Boro before unsuccessful trials with Leeds, Wednesday and Barnsley. And it was the Elland Road rejection which spurred him on to prove the doubters wrong.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Godfrey said: “It felt a little bit like the dream was over [after his Middlesbrough release]. After that, there were trials with Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United. None led to a contract. For them to say no was a massive confidence-breaker, really. It looked like the end of the journey.
