Henri Wilder

A look at some of the best players I’ve seen in the past few years at either U18s or U23s level or currently playing in non-league who've either left a really positive impression or whose careers I follow with genuine interest to see how they're doing every week.

Player: Henri Wilder

Age: 22
Position: Left-Back
Club: Tamworth

Anyone who has ever read a matchday programme will have probably seen the question: 'If you weren't a footballer then what would you be?'.

In the case of Henri Wilder, the answer certainly wouldn't be accountant' because he memorably went viral for his celebrations in a penalty shoot-out in an FA Cup Qualifying Replay the other season - thinking the game was over when, erm, it actually wasn't. Awkward...

Henri Wilder with his 'Player Of The Year' trophy at Tamworth (Photo: @HenriWilder).

Thankfully, his team (Tamworth) went on to win that game and save him from embarrassment but if anyone reading this enjoys watching players who love slide tackles and physical battles, epitomise passion, drive, desire and show complete 100% commitment in their style of play, they'll absolutely adore him.

A back-to-back league champion during his two-year youth team scholarship at Mansfield Town, he made some mates for life, had a great trip to Burger King in Malta (sources tell me these things) and showed his qualities sufficiently enough to earn a pro contract. I'll forever maintain that he's the unluckiest player to come through that academy in the past 10 years and never play a first team game. His talent, quality and desire has always been there but the reason for zero game-time was simply down to the fact Mansfield's squad, in that era, was overstacked with experienced pro’s and built to get promotion - thus youth prospects had nothing in the way of an opening. It's also why Harry Bircumshaw (a top technical player) and Keaton Ward (great lad) never got a look in at that point either.

Released in 2019, Henri didn’t feel downbeat for too long as he went and earned an opportunity at Tamworth through Andy Danylyszyn (a bloke whose enthusiasm scores even higher than his surname on a Scrabble board) and he soon established himself as a regular for The Lambs at Step 3.

After the Covid-impacted campaigns of 2019/20 and 2020/21 in which he grew in confidence, belief and stature, it was the season just gone that he thoroughly came to the fore. Making 51 appearances at left-back in all competitions last term, he built a reputation for himself and his consistently committed displays saw him achieve both the Supporters and Manager’s 'Player Of The Year' awards.

Whilst he's got good attributes on the pitch, it's off it where Henri shines even more!

Anyone who knows football will know a successful dressing room needs three or four natural 'leaders' along with a captain and, despite his young age, he is one of those leaders.

When he makes mistakes (which will happen) then he'll be the first to hold his hands up. If someone is low on confidence, he'll grip them tightly and be the first to offer them his support. And he's respected by players younger than himself who know they can learn from the example he sets.

If a manager gives Henri honesty; plus the occasional boot up the backside (which he can handle) then he'll reward you with full-blooded and fully-committed displays. That was the case at Tamworth. Other players in his position at some other clubs might be technically better but when the weather is crap in the middle of winter and the pitches are horrendous, nobody will roll their sleeves up more.

He trains how he plays and he plays how he trains.

He'll throw himself into every challenge in life - just like he did when he was 16 by moving 200 miles away from his family and home in Eastbourne to start his scholarship at Mansfield. He's also got a heart bigger than Hercules the Lion; the mascot of his favourite team because, strangely, he thinks Aston Villa are good... he clearly can't have seen the final 15 minutes of the Premier League season!

Strong and determined: That's why Tamworth fans loved him (Photo: Unknown).

I've seen him play at youth level and in first team football, I monitor his progress each week and it's his character, passion and attitude and leadership skills which make him such a good player who you'd want to have around your club. His presence and the example he sets will also get the best out of others and that's one of many reasons why Tamworth fans have enjoyed having him so much for the past three years.

His passion is often shown in euphoric fist-pumping celebrations after each victory which come from deep within his heart, his desire is shown through full-throttle slide tackles (even on 4G pitches which has often left scars and burns on his legs) or by hurling long-throws straight into the opposition box whilst his unwavering commitment has been proven by the fact he's grown and developed into the player and person he is today, over what’s now close to 100 senior appearances.

Like with most players he's gone through tough times. He's had struggles and setbacks and experienced horrible emotions but it's his character and desire to put his absolute heart and soul into everything which has meant he's overcome those difficult moments to 'succeed' in a first team environment.

So if you're ever struggling in the future, Henri, whether it be for form on the pitch or with life in general, re-read this at any point because my belief in the qualities you possess as a person and what you can offer in a football environment is unwavering. It won't ever change!

You deserve the recognition for the player and person you are; pure, genuine, a credit to yourself and your family and above all, just a thoroughly good lad.

Just please learn how to count penalties in time for your next shoot-out!