Declan John: Cardiff creation, Rangers madness and loan experiences
Bolton Wanderers defender Declan John has spoken of the trials and tribulations at Cardiff City, a memorable experience with Rangers, and the importance of loans.
John first came onto the scene in British football playing 20 games for Cardiff City in their 2013/14 Premier League campaign.
Coming through the Bluebirds academy, John was one of the few players who made the grade to move into the senior team.
Introduced to the first-team by Malky Mackay as a young teenager, John made two appearances in the League Cup, before making his league debut on the opening day against West Ham United in Cardiff’s Premier League debut.
Embed from Getty ImagesA then-shocked John revealed: “It was crazy. I think I was actually coming back from training waiting in the train station. My Under 21s coach at the time phoned me as I was heading home saying there was an injury, and the gaffer wants you to play.
“It was brilliant. A tad scary in the first couple of games. I was playing left wing and then dropped back to left-back with the 21s for maybe six months. Then I’m getting chucked into the game against West Ham for my debut in the Premier League.
“Every game was crazy coming up against some of the best players in the world week in week out, it was surreal. It was an amazing feeling but of course, it was very tough as well.
“I remember the Man City game away. The first touch of the ball I had Aguero’s stepped across me and took the ball. I was kind of stood there you know the guy was so strong and you just couldn’t really move him.”
But John’s career at Cardiff slowly began to dwindle and after three loan spells, a move away in 2017 ended his time with the Bluebirds. A happening he himself still can’t pinpoint.
“To be honest, I’ve probably asked myself the same question a few times. You know I ended up playing 25 or 26 games that season and did quite well.
“Then obviously we get a new manager in after a few games the next season and then I was kind of chucked out of the picture. So I can’t really say too much about it because I don’t really know myself.
“But you have got certain managers who just don’t like certain players and it can happen.”
Embed from Getty ImagesA subsequent move to Scottish giants Rangers, who most recently claimed the Scottish Premier League title, was a particularly memorable experience for John in his career.
He was just the third Welshman to play for the Gers after Sammy Roberts and Cardiff City goalkeeping coach Andy Dibble.
Remembering his move to Ibrox, the left-back said: “It was absolutely crazy. I think it was the first day when I arrived at the airport and I was coming out with my agent and getting into the back of a taxi and you’ve got cameras coming up taking pictures and all this kind of stuff.
“I was just thinking what’s going on here. But it’s such a big club with so many fans all over the world and I did really enjoy it up there. A great club with great fans as well.”
Declan John had a loan spell with the Glasgow outfit before a permanent move, along with other loan stints with Barnsley and Chesterfield coming beforehand.
Being at Bolton now in the 5th loam spell of his career, John encouraged more youngsters to take up loan opportunities and highlighted the benefits they bring.
“Oh of course its massive. Especially at a young age, I think my first loan was when I was 19 so I was still kind of a young adult at the time.
“But I think it’s the best thing for you if you’re not getting games at your club, you know you just need to go out and play as many games as you can.
“The experience you get going out and playing 20 30 games even if you have to drop down a league its men’s football, its first-team football. It can only help you going forward in your career.”
