League-Two Walsall Midfielder Brendan Kiernan has urged young players to not take their own lives after not being selected by major clubs or not making it to the professional level. Brendan himself got cut by Crystal Palace at the age of 16 and felt like he hit a dead end when he didn’t make it to the Premier League.
Kiernan has quit football twice and has dealt with a fair share of suffering. Yet he persevered and now he is aiming to become a mentor for players who are let go by clubs. According to research, just 180 out of 1.5 million players make it to the pro level. Right now he plays for the EFL side called Walsall.
All I ever wanted was to be a professional footballer and it felt like I had hit a dead end. Every young player wants to make it. When that does not happen, some feel they don't have anything to offer. I've read reports of a young player being found dead after being let go. As someone who has been rejected by several clubs, that had a big impact on me. All I ever wanted was to be a professional footballer and it felt like I had hit a dead end.
Brendan Kiernan, Footballer, Walsall