Christian Doidge looks set to make his debut for Bolton this week when the Trotters host Queens Park Rangers.
The 26-year-old moved on loan from Forest Green Rovers, where he scored 49 goals in 87 league games, netting two in the Play-Off Final victory to promote the Gloucestershire-based side.
But as Doidge prepares to pull on the white of Bolton, a club which was in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup and a Premier League side six years ago, it is a far cry from where he used to play.
Doidge said when signing for Bolton: “I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to play for Bolton Wanderers but it’s down to hard work and persistence. It’s been a tricky road but to finally get here is a dream.”
Doidge is a pure talent of Welsh football and he has shown that perseverance. After suffering a set back at Southampton and Bristol Rovers, the 6 ft 2 in striker almost packed in football, with plans to start playing basketball.
However, nine years ago, Cwmbran Celtic gave him a hand on his path to professional status. The young forward moved to Croesyceiliog and then Barry Town United before the Welsh Premier League came calling.
After shining for Carmarthen Town, scoring 19 goals in 43 appearances, Dagenham & Redbridge gave him a chance. Since then he has made a career out of goal scoring.
In playing for those three Welsh League clubs and one Welsh Premier League club, the Newport-born striker has provided a platform for other Welsh strikers to follow suit.
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Look at the impact Lee Trundle has made in the Welsh League at the ripe old age of 41 after previous experience of the Football League.
His experience could be passed on to the youthful setup at Haverfordwest County, providing them with a platform to go on and chase a career in professional football.
In fact, there’s still a Doidge in the Welsh pyramid system now. Brother Thomas is on the books at Division One side Goytre United.
Lamin Conteh of STM Sports and Thomas Walters of Goytre United had trials at Cardiff City last season, whilst Josh Gould, formerly of Taffs Well, is now Swansea City’s U23’s goalkeeper; having already made one appearance in the Checkatrade Trophy.
With so much support from former teammates of Christian Doidge in his superb rise, the players thanking him may find themselves in the same situation as him, should they show the same persistence and determination that he did.
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