Former Bulls loanee Sam Hewson has been interviewed by the Manchester Evening News about his current situation, dropping from the Premier League to the Conference part-timers:
Sam Hewson realises he might have to get a job if he finds he cannot make a living from playing football.
Not that long ago the big time beckoned when the 22-year-old was on the books of Manchester United.
He would rub shoulders with household names on the training field at Carrington, modelling his game on heroes like Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
Hewson even made the substitute’s bench for a Champions League tie in Roma and four years ago starred in the United side that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup.
Alas, hopes of making the grade at Old Trafford were eventually dashed and he is now playing part time with Blue Square Bet Premier League outfit Altrincham.
The shirt colour may be the same and the team may also play in Trafford but in football terms the clubs are on different planets.
While his old team-mates earn huge salaries, the Altrincham players teach, tile and drive taxis in order to make ends meet.
“Altrincham are paying me enough for the time being but I might have to think about doing a college course in the future,” accepted Hewson. “I know that my team-mates have got jobs and so far I’ve not really looked at doing other work, like plumbing, bricklaying or joinery.
“I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m still hoping to get back into the game full-time. I need to get fitter and I still think I can get back to League One level.
“It wasn’t a big shock when I was told by Mike Phelan that I wasn’t being offered a new contract at United because I’d known it was coming.
“I like to get into the penalty area and score goals and I was lucky that I learn from players like Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, who were really helpful to me.
“Keane was always shouting and telling me what to do in training and Scholes would do all he could to help me, along with all the other local lads.”
Hewson had a spell on loan at Bury last season before Altrincham offered him a lifeline.
“My first priority is to help Altrincham avoid relegation and then I’ll take it from there. It is a culture shock after leaving the biggest club in the world and everyone at Moss Lane has been good to me.”