By Hugo Varley,
ALEX WALL thought his career was over a little under two years ago.
Fresh off the back of a spell in the Football League with Luton Town, the 28-year-old penned a deal with National League newcomers Bromley in 2015.
He arrived at Hayes Lane with high hopes but Wall’s time in south London quickly turned sour as a succession of injuries led to him being released from his contract in early 2017.
It was at this point, without a club and suffering from a major injury, that Wall seriously considered calling time on his playing days.
“The last few years have been really tough,” the striker told The NLP. “There were moments when I had completely had enough. I picked up the original injury early on during my time at Bromley.
“The problem was that the injury was wrongly diagnosed for a long time because what the scan was suggesting was very different to my symptoms.
“When we finally located the exact problem I had to go through the operation and rehab process all by myself.
“Thankfully I worked closely with a man called Neil Withington who was absolutely instrumental in aiding my recovery and keeping my spirits up. To be honest he saved my career.”
With his long journey to full fitness finally complete, Wall’s comeback then hit another brick wall when he was released by Dartford just a week before the current season kicked off.
Chaotic
“The few days before the campaign began were completely chaotic because I had no idea where I was going to end up,” said Wall, who started his career at his hometown club Thatcham Town before joining Maidenhead United.
“It all happened really quickly and just felt like yet another setback.
“Ultimately, leaving Dartford has ended up working out brilliantly because I spoke to Sammy Moore at Concord Rangers and was instantly struck by his spirit for the game and ambition for the future.”
Since signing for Concord, Wall has quickly become one of the success stories of this year’s National League South, with his career taking a miraculous turnaround.
So far this season the 28-year-old had found the net 14 times to fire the Beach Boys into promotion contention.
“It is amazing just to be back out on the pitch and playing football again, but to be scoring goals as well is absolutely fantastic,”?Wall added.
“I am feeling really happy with where I am at the moment and the atmosphere around the club is just what I needed.
“Although it is great to be amongst the goals, first and foremost I want the team to get promoted and I know that we are more than capable of chasing down Torquay and Woking at the top.”
In many respects, Wall sees his current form as a crucial second bite of the cherry and he is determined to right previous wrongs.
Determined
“I got my big break with Luton Town in 2013. I was playing with some absolutely phenomenal players who have gone on to do great things in the game such as Andre Gray and Mark Cullen,” he said.
“I made some great memories such as winning promotion from the National League but ultimately I look back at my time there with regret.
“I was pretty naive and didn’t realise just how hard I would have to work to progress. I feel as though I have been given a second chance now and I am determined to not let it go to waste.
“I have learned a lot about myself through the hard times in my career and I am stronger and more determined than ever.
“This season has been really special so far and I am happy again. This club has given me a new lease of life and helping them to promotion would be a fitting way to repay them.”
