Pic: Andy Nunn
BARWELL boss Jimmy Ginnelly has praised young midfielder Brady Hickey and warned the rest of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier: He’s only going to get better!
Teenager Hickey scored a first-half hat-trick as Barwell won 3-2 at Frickley Athletic on Saturday, moving them up to 14th in the league.
Ginnelly reserved special praise for his midfielder, who has been described as Non-League‘s answer to Frank Lampard.
Hickey, who impressed in St Andrews‘ FA Vase run in 2014-15 before making the step up to Barwell, has gained attention from a number of Football League clubs.
He had trials in the summer, and one at the end of last year with Premier League champions Leicester City, but he remains at Kirkby Road for the time being and his boss couldn’t be happier.
Ginnelly told the club’s website: “Brady can only get better. He’s a young kid, he’s enjoying his football and loving playing for the club.
“He could have moved up a level or two but he decided to stay with us and we’re delighted with that – he’s the top scorer at the club this season.
“That’s what Brady’s good at – he’s the third man running into the box and he scores goals at important times.”
Hickey added: “Jimmy’s been good to me here. When I’ve been going off to Football League clubs, he’s really looked after me.
“I’m loyal to Jimmy and he rewards me by playing me. Hopefully I can keep playing well for him and the club.”
Brady was happy to stay at the club for another year not due to a lack of ambition, but in part due to him being in the final year of his degree at Loughborough uni, aswell as gaining more experience at this level , He is passionate about his football career and will definitely be looking to progress further. I know Brady as an individual and feel he deserves every opportunity. I know he appreciates the support and opportunity he has been given at Barwell and looks as though he is certainly enjoying this season .