Cam Wilson's milestone moment

Cameron. Harry. Wilson.

Without doubt one of the best players I’ve seen at North-East Youth Alliance level over the past few years (in the Scunthorpe United youth team from 2019-2021) and a lad who hasn’t surprised me whatsoever with how seamlessly he’s handled the step-up and transition from youth to senior football.

Despite the well-documented problems at Glanford Park in recent times, Cam’s been one of the shining lights to have emerged from the youth system; seizing his chance in the first team when it came and winning the respect of so many since - whether it be the six managers he’s already played under, fans who’ve grown to appreciate what he’s all about, or others from afar who can straight away recognise a decent player when they see one.

What he lacks in height, he makes up for in courage, character and commitment and his creativity and capability to pose a threat from his attacking midfield role is without question.

Not a clue how to celebrate but a goal on his landmark appearance.
(Photo: Luke Broughton / Scunthorpe United).

I can still recall the first time he really impressed me; this being against Doncaster Rovers on the 4G next to the Keepmoat Stadium where he scored one, set-up another (I think) and was outstanding in a 4-2 win. All the lads involved will instantly remember it because it was the same game where Harry Lewis scored a ‘worldie’ on his 17th birthday (something he’ll be quite pleased I’ve mentioned) and Charley Strouther (another good left-footer who has a lot of characteristics I appreciate) also scored.

I’ve followed Cam’s career since that morning and, fast-forward two years, he’s had so many moments that will bring memories flooding back as he reads this.

He’ll cherish his match-worn ‘Wilson 20’ shirt forever and never forget when he replaced Devarn Green for his first team debut against Swindon right at the start of last season, or being just told a few weeks later by Neil Cox that he was in the starting xi against Manchester City’s U21s.

Then there was his loan at Scarborough (where he played alongside my old mate Simon Heslop) and impressed so many with his attitude and class, followed by that Lincolnshire Senior Cup win under the floodlights at Glanford Park last April, his first professional goal against Hartlepool United just after that, and the less-so-joyful but instantly memorable trip to Bristol Rovers which will be remembered in football folklore for years to come.

Throw in some Keith Hill memories (everyone’s got them) and his goal on that brilliant night at Halifax a couple of weeks ago when everyone associated with Scunthorpe United had a reason to feel optimistic, joyous and hopeful about the future again, and it’s already been a decent little journey with lots for him to reflect on and lots that have made everyone proud of him.

And then came yesterday…

Whilst the win over Dagenham & Redbridge was massively important in the context of survival in the National League, it was also ‘milestone time’ for Cam because if you include his two outings in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup last term - and for the benefit of this piece we are doing so, then yesterday was his 50th career appearance.

That’s not bad going for someone who only turned 20 just before Christmas and in an era where breaking through into the first team is often the hardest thing for any player to do.

But what better way to mark yesterday’s landmark appearance than by scoring another goal (that’s three in his last seven games) - especially as it’s one which could prove to be every bit as important as the one at Halifax come the end of this season.

Beyond the numerous good facets to Cam’s game solely as a player, best of all he’s just a down-to-earth lad who is enjoying what he enjoys best - and long may that continue!

Although his days of scoffing a hot dog whilst his dad has a camera in his hand are probably over (albeit photographic evidence still exists), he’s come a long way from Goole Town Tigers where he played in the Under 10s before signing academy forms at SUFC about this time ten years ago. 

I hope this piece has put some respect on his name because he’s worked hard to get where he is!

So here’s to his next 50 appearances in which he’ll hopefully send a few defenders for a hot dog rather than gobble them and bag a few goals - even better if they’re live on TV again!