237: James Belshaw

Goalkeepers' Union

This week's feature interview provides yet another take on the route into professional goalkeeping.
James Belshaw has had quite the journey. A journey saturated with sliding doors.
After turning down a pro contract at Walsall, he opted to put education first and fled the country to North Carolina where he earned honours in History, Business, Marketing and Management at Duke University.
An offer from Chicago Fire followed, but his choice was to return home and restart a career with lowly Nuneaton. Next came Tamworth. Then Harrogate. And, slowly but surely with promotion after promotion, he realised a dream of playing EFL football.
He was 30 when he made his professional debut.
Now with Bristol Rovers in League One, James – who bagged Player of the Year at the Gas last season – recounts his travels in incredibly articulate fashion.
Really good listen, this. Belly's a great guy with a rather unique story.