I loved my job but got an offer I couldn't turn down

A man’s life was turned upside down in the space of a week. Jack Hazlehurst had always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.

However, the 25-year-old wasn’t picked up by an academy at a young age like others in his position. He persisted however, becoming a valuable player for City of Liverpool FC, a fan owned non-league club in the eighth tier of the English football league system.

They are nicknamed ‘The Purps’ due to the team playing in a purple kit. Jack's sensational scoring record and forward play led to him being given the nickname of ‘The Purple Messi’.

Speaking to the ECHO, Jack, from Huyton, said: “I’m not really too sure where it came from. It was more of when I was 18, 19. A few of their fans came up with it. It’s a big name to live up to.”

Jack was rewarded when he made the step up to Chorley in the National League North last summer. He became a crucial part of the squad as they narrowly missed out on promotion.

Jack balanced this with working in a local primary school. However, last month, after a pre-season friendly, things began to drastically change. He said: “After Chorley’s game against Bradford, the assistant manager came up to me and said Burton Albion were interested in signing me. The following day, the Chorley manager rang me. I was told a bid had been accepted from the club.”

Burton are a professional side and the chance to move there would mean Jack would have travelled up five divisions of English football in two seasons. Despite the step-up, there was no doubt in Jack’s mind about what decision he would make.

He said: “It was a no-brainer. It's something I've always dreamed of as a kid. I had to sort out getting an agent because I wasn’t a professional. I had to go for a medical and had my birthday in between. This was all in the space of a week, it all happened so quickly.”

“I was working in a primary school, helping kids that have been excluded and those with special needs. I really enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about life while working there. But it’s my dream to be a professional. I couldn't turn it down.”

Jack has had to adapt to life at the professional level quickly and is currently recovering from injury, but says it is looking promising so far. He said: “It’s been unbelievable really. I've taken everything as it comes.

“Sometimes I dive into training and can't believe it’s real. I'm learning a lot from the most senior pros. Before I got injured, I had a good two to three weeks where I was training well.”

It’s not been the easiest start for Burton this season, with a defeat and draw in the league alongside an exit in the League Cup. However, Jack feels supported in a team which has lots of new signings to integrate.

He said: “We've got a completely new squad. I think 20 lads came in this summer. We’ve all bonded well really quickly. It's only a matter of time before it clicks. It always takes time to gel.

“Everyone has been spot on with me - the manager, the staff, even the players I'm playing with. Coming into full-time football for the first time, it’s a big change every day, but I’ve been able to ask anyone for advice.”

Jack argues the secret to his rise up the ranks was being kind to himself. He said: “I've always had confidence in my own ability. Wherever I've been, I've done well. I never put myself under too much pressure on myself.”