Few players have experienced a rags-to-riches story akin to Dan Burn’s at Newcastle United. Released by his boyhood club almost 20 years ago, the 6ft 7in defender dropped to non-league level, playing for New Hartley, Blyth Town and Blyth Spartans.
Some players have the ideal pathway to the Premier League and are already earning millions at a young age - but not Burn. At 16-years-old, the Geordie worked part-time at Asda when Darlington offered him a professional contract.
It quickly became evident his talents far surpassed League Two and Fulham came calling in 2011. However, his five years in South London were frustrating and, astonishingly, the Cottagers released Burn in 2016. At that point, the defender - 24-years-old at the time - would have been forgiven for giving up hope of ever donning the black-and-white stripes.
