George Thomason has reflected on his rapid rise to the Bolton Wanderers first team squad and has paid tribute to his non-league experience as the best preparation for men's professional football.
The 20-year-old made his Wanderers debut earlier this season and has gone on to play 19 times so far this campaign, scoring his first goal for the club against Carlisle United on Boxing Day.
It has been quite a journey for the midfielder this campaign and through his career generally, having started this season out on loan with Bamber Bridge.
Thomason was recalled by the Whites in November and made his debut in the Papa John's Trophy against Newcastle United's under 23s, before making his League Two bow against Port Vale.
And the experience of playing men's football out on loan in non-league earlier this campaign has helped the youngster move into the Wanderers first team and be part of a squad which is challenging for promotion.
He said: "Just after lockdown in pre-season I went out on loan to Bamber Bridge and they played a similar style to here, being honest, in terms of the two managers.
“It got me playing men’s football, more game time, then I trained here to make sure I was in everyone’s minds, trying to raise my own standards and trying to get a look in.
“Thankfully I got the chance in the league against Port Vale. Since then, every time I have gone on to the pitch I’ve tried to give my all, play the best I can, and in the last few months we have really turned a corner.
"Everyone has come together and it has really benefitted me because I am playing in a high-confidence team and I’m able to produce my best football.
“I believe in my own ability. I know each day in training if I’m at my best I can be in the manager’s thoughts. Then when an opportunity comes along you have to take it. As a young player you might only get one – it can almost make or break you.
“If you can play with confidence, knowing there is trust from the manager, then you can do it with no worries. You know people on the sidelines have got full belief in what you are doing.
“When you play with that confidence, you play well. And at the moment it is not just me, it is the rest of the boys around me who are performing."
Thomason came through the youth team ranks at League One side Blackpool, before moving to Longridge Town after being released by the Tangerines at the age of 16.
His exploits in the North West Counties League led to Wanderers signing Thomason in January 2020, and the midfielder recently put pen to paper on a fresh deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.
And Thomason believes the decision to leave Bloomfield Road and getting into men's football at an early age is the best thing which could have happened to him at that time, with the midfielder giving credit to his parents and friends as helping him grounded.
He said: “I was at Blackpool from Under-8s to 16s on a scholarship and they didn’t offer me another one. Rather than going around bouncing off trials at other clubs I thought I’d get into men’s football, get at a stable club, and to be fair to the North West Counties the way that Longridge play football is second to none. It really helped my development.
“Looking back now, it was probably my best decision football-wise. Getting men’s football at an early age meant I was one or two years’ development ahead of the other 18-year-olds who had been in the scholarship environment.
“It really helped and nurtured me. It wasn’t all about the passing elements, it was the dirtier side of things as well, but it had a positive impact on my career and the way I am playing well.
“It’s credit to my parents and my close friendship group which kept me grounded, told me that I can do it, to believe in myself.
“I went to a club who wanted me, who trusted me, Lee Ashcroft – the Longridge manager – put a lot of faith in me as a 16/17-year-old in his first team because even at that level it is results driven and you might not take a gamble on a young lad. He allowed me to play football and everywhere I have gone since then managers have put faith in me."
Wanderers are in action this evening against Salford City as they aim to keep their promotion charge going and record back-to-back wins in League Two to remain in the automatic promotion places.
Thomason admits it is a 'huge' game and he awaits his manager Ian Evatt's call if he will be involved in the fixture or not - vowing to be ready if needed.
He said: “It is a huge game but if I get asked to play it doesn’t change for me, I go out and try to do my best for the team and the shirt. Every time I am in that 11 I want to play to my standards.
“I know it is a team game, a squad game, and there will be rotation. Every lad in that changing room pulls together and knows that when it is their turn to play they will give it 100 per cent, that is why we are doing so well.
“Whatever the decision is, whenever I am called upon, I will be ready. "
