I have a huge man crush on Grant Holt, there I said it, it’s out in the open, and I am not ashamed of it. He represents all that is right about football, his story is an inspiration to any young budding footballer. He is certainly not very talented, but he just shows how hard work, perseverance and a never-say-die attitude can help achieve all aims in life. Still not convinced why I idolize him, read on.
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The Player
Born in Carlisle, Cumbria, the 31 year old striker has played for many non league and professional clubs before finally finding a home with the Canaries. He has played in the Conference, League One, League two and the Championship before finally making it to the Premiership this season. His CV should be a source of inspiration for all footballers in the lower leagues dreaming to make it big. A trail of clubs, trials, false starts, loans, disenchantment, manual labour jobs and middling success was the tale before he joined Norwich in July 2009, aged 28. Various clubs he played for included Workington, Halifax, Australia, Barrow, Sengkang Marine (Singapore), Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool and Shrewsbury Town. As mentioned, he would work as a manual laborer changing car tyres on a daily wage, to fulfill the dream of his life. Now that his efforts have paid off, no one can deny he’s deserved it, and has certainly paid his dues.
Norwich City and Paul Lambert
Holt finally joined Norwich at the age of 28 from Shrewsbury Town in July 2009. This is where under the guidance of Lambert, he finally steadied himself. Back to back promotions in 2010 and 2011 got them to the Premiership, and under the Captaincy of Holt and a very able manager in Lambert, Norwich have become the darlings of the neutrals. Sitting pretty at 8th, along with Swansea they are definitely a joy to watch, and we pray the Canaries stay in the Premiership for a long time.
Holt is having a pretty good time, and has scored 9 goals and has 3 assists already. Looks at home here, very neat for a player who was playing for Sorreto in Australia a few years ago. He was initially being used as a Super-Sub at the start of this season, but is now starting games on a regular presence.
NORWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Grant Holt of Norwich City battles with David Wheater of Bolton Wanderers during the Barcays Premier League match between Norwich City and Bolton Wanderers
His physical presence and a frame of 6 feet is proving very useful in the Premiership. As mentioned, not the most skilled players, but he has developed a good footballing brain, is aware of his strengths and plays to them.
Holt for England!
Yes I am very serious when I say this, and most people would stop reading the article at this point, but I have my points. With Rooney suspended for the first 2 matches at Polkraine, the Three Lions are looking forward for a central striker. Whosoever gets the cursed England manager job may have to choose from Bent, Zamora, Welbeck, Sturridge, Crouch, or a couple of other players. But look at it objectively, the English media always state that they proudly choose the player who is best on form, and not just big names. Holt is certainly in better form than Bent and Zamora, and is more experienced and mature than Welbeck or Sturridge. If not the Euroes, at least he should be tried in the friendlies, starting with the one against Holland next week. His physical presence and determination, is exactly what we want from an English forward.
Holt himself is very modest, and when asked about his chances for England,this was his reply, “If 10 English forwards get injured this week I might get a call-up. I don’t think I’ll be the first one on anyone’s lips.” Of course, with all the adversities he has gone through to reach where he has, you have to appreciate his modesty.
Being Overweigth and “ugly”, Holt is not liked by most sections of the media, but the famous Sky Sports Journalist Matthew Stranger got it right in my opinion, “If loving Holt is a crime, lock me up and throw the key.” I couldn’t agree more.
So I am where I love Grant Holt, and would love to see him don and England Jersey. There is a joke doing the rounds, and I shouldn’t be writing it here, but the temptation is hard to resist, so here I go.
If Emile Heskey has 68 caps for England, sure Holt can have at least 1.
