Jasper Moon

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: Jasper Moon

Age: 21
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Club: Barnsley

Everybody will remember March 2020.

It was the month our lives changed abruptly as the UK went into lockdown overnight and that dreaded fear of the unknown dominated our lives.

The empty feeling of isolation and longing for yesterday in the days and months which followed still makes people shudder; nobody ever wants to experience those emotions again, and for Jasper Moon that period was another bitter blow in what had become a horrible first-year pro season at Barnsley.

Jasper Moon, having overcome so much, in a Barnsley FC shirt (Photo: Stu Forster).

Signed at Oakwell three summers previously in June 2017 when he uprooted from Coventry (his hometown) to c/o Grove Street in order to complete his youth team scholarship after being let go by Leicester after eight years in their academy, by the pandemic he was already used to independence, overcoming homesickness, and living miles away from home.

As a YT player, he passed his driving test and was steering in the right direction on the pitch too.

His performances both at centre-back and in a defensive-midfield role earned him a professional contract and he even spent time out on loan at York City towards the tail end of the 2018/19 campaign - making his senior debut in a 1-0 win over Southport at Bootham Crescent (on the same day as the infamous tunnel bust up involving Joey Barton at Oakwell).

At this point, with Barnsley also promoted to the Championship that year, it's fair to say things were going well; he was playing for the U23s regularly, and progressing nearer to the first team.

And then it changed.

A collision with an opponent in an U23s game against Wigan in September 2019 where the other player landed on him resulted in a broken leg. It's one of the worst things that can happen for any player and, with his season seemingly over, the pain on the inside soon became as visible as the pain on the outside as anxiety and worry took over his mind.

Still just 18 at this point and downbeat and dejected during the initial stages of his rehab; experiencing that horrible sense of loneliness of being stuck in a gym whilst all his team-mates were out on the training pitch, he needed resilience and an undisputed mental strength from within his soul to overcome it. It was probably the worst experience of his career to date. 

When Adam Murray (his old youth team boss) stepped in as caretaker manager soon after his injury, replacing the departing Daniel Stendel, more pondering followed. Would he have got that first appearance for Barnsley under ‘Muz’ had it not been for the injury? Who knows? It added to the already despondent turmoil he was feeling inside. He was at rock bottom.

Having dug deep to get back fit and overcome the mental, as much as the physical challenge, of playing in his first game again for the U23s, he'd made an impression on Gerhard Struber (by now the first team manager) and was on the brink of breaking into the first team again just as he was previously before that broken leg.

After that horrible winter period, brighter times now seemed to be on the horizon.

Then came the pandemic.

The rigmarole of wondering when the next football match would take place or whether the season would just be panned altogether. What would happen now? In loneliness and isolation again due to lockdown rules, it was back to square one.

Fast-forward two years, from that dark period to the present day, and it's to Jasper's immense credit as a person as much as a player, that he's just finished the season with 25 appearances under his belt in the Championship.

Things could have gone better on the pitch as Barnsley got relegated and went through three different managers. He found himself in and out of the team (which happens) but, importantly, on a personal level it's been a crucial breakthrough year for him. Every player needs it if they're to carve out a decent career and I've got so much admiration for his courage and commitment to overcome those dark moments and get to where he is now.

Jasper actually made his first Barnsley appearance in December 2020 (away at Rotherham) before figuring again later in the season against Preston, and then on the final day at home to Norwich which his first start (and on his mum's birthday) and was memorable for THAT photo featuring Todd Cantwell.

Todd Cantwell... and Jasper Moon (Photo: James Williamson).

Everything he’s experienced in the past five years at Barnsley has been beneficial for him. From learning how to cope in the darkest of moments, to living away from home and gaining independence, to growing into the person he is today, whilst improving aspects of his game via the methods of the various coaches and managers whose sessions and games he's participated in.

As a player he's technically aware, good with his feet, is composed and solid enough and has a finely ripped physique and he'll improve with age. Through his own mindset, every experience is something he can turn into a good one.

And as a lad, he's conscientious, caring and will remember little things which mean so much to people. He's got a warm and smiling personality who'll be great with the kids on matchdays because, deep down, he's just a big kid living a dream himself - and with how he's adapted and overcome the challenges to get to where he is, I've got so much respect for it.

Unfortunately he didn't score any goals last season so his topless celebration GIF swinging his shirt about in the air couldn't ever be used on Barnsley’s Twitter feed - though he did score a half-volley rocket (from the Moon) in an U23s game against his hometown club about 18 months ago which subsequently won him the 'Goal Of The Month' award.

You've done yourself and your family proud with how you've overcome the low points to be who you are today though, Jasper, and I'm sure when you bag that first goal of your career, you'll remember the moment forever and simultaneously create something the young kids in the stands who love Barnsley Football Club will also remember for a long time too.

A good player. A lovely lad. Good luck next year (as I know it'll be another big season for you) and however things pan out, I'll be following it with interest.

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!

Aaron Braithwaite

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: Aaron Braithwaite 

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Club: Grimsby Town

If there's one player likely to try and keep warm, even in boiling 40 degree sunshine, it's Aaron Braithwaite.

A few photos do exist of him wearing short sleeves but nearly every time I've watched him or seen photos from other games then he's always worn a base layer. I'm not sure whether or not it's to cover up his tattoo with him still being a second-year scholar but when I rate a player and watch them closely, I'll always pick up on small things like that which people might miss.

A box-to-box midfielder who can operate either as a No.4 or a No.8, Aaron is good at what he does in both positions. He first impressed me at Brigg Town last pre-season when he scored one goal, got stuck in, created plenty of problems for the opposition and even cheekily used a 15-stone bloke on the other team as leverage to get back on his feet. It was a good individual display which had quality about it and most importantly, it was memorable.

Like with any player there are things he needs to improve (and that’s just football) but he's composed in possession, his passing is usually consistent; the ball rarely goes astray, and it's easy to spot someone who has talent plus a good work-ethic and commitment to make the most of what they've got.

Playing at Brigg Town (in short sleeves) last summer.

I'd loved to have watched him in Doncaster's team every week over the past few years and, ironically, it was against Donny late on last season where he highlighted his capabilities again.

With the game locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, he pops up on the edge of the box and thunders a shot with venom straight into the bottom corner. Two minutes later at the other end, he reads a dangerous situation perfectly and pops up with a goal-line clearance at which point the full-time whistle goes; job done, he's the match-winner with a big beaming smile on his face and his team-mates are all ‘high-fiving’ him because he's made two MASSIVE contributions to get three points.

That's what good players do - and that's ultimately why Aaron is a good player who contributed plenty in a very good team for North-East Youth Alliance level.

He’s just earned a pro deal at Grimsby for next season which is testament to the graft he's put in over a number of years and he was also on the substitutes bench away at Eastleigh on the final day of the National League season. He didn't get on for his senior debut in that game but, on the flip side, it allows him more time to work on his terrible interview technique because after signing his pro contract he looked like a bag of nerves and swayed from side to side so much I thought I'd get sea sick just watching it.

I'm already looking forward to watching Grimsby next year because he should still be eligible to play at YT level (due to the rules regarding first-year pros) and I enjoy watching him and others including Harry Milner, Alex Markham, Jamie Bramwell, Declyn Dennis, Edwin Essel and Harvey Tomlinson, who'll again form the crux of that team in 2022/23.

Moreover, I hope he thrives in a first team environment where he gets to do what he loves doing every day at the club he grew up supporting, gets a good first loan spell under his belt, and ultimately experiences that special moment he'll have dreamed about a million times already where he finally makes his debut at Blundell Park in front of 5,000+ fans all giving it the inevitable 'He's One Of Our Own' chant.

However things unfold, I'll always follow Aaron's career with interest so keep making your family proud and ALWAYS believe in yourself - even in those moments of self-doubt which every player experiences at some point. I've loved watching your performances over the past 12 months and you've created a good impression yourself with how you've performed on the pitch.

Just remember nothing can be as bad as a rendition of 'Stand By Me' at an initiation.

Good luck!

Former scholars round-up (31/05/22)

There aren't many better feelings in football than when you win promotion.

It's the culmination of months of graft and determination to achieve something special; it doesn't happen very often in most players' careers and it's usually followed by a good party afterwards too.

And five ex-scholars of Doncaster Rovers have been spraying the champagne in celebration in recent weeks.

Jack McKay (top left) and Lewis Cunningham (top right) celebrate promotion. (Photo: York City FC).

Although neither featured, both Jack McKay and Lewis Cunningham (pictured above) received promotion winners medals and got their hands on a trophy which looks remarkably similar to The FA Cup after York City overcame Boston United in the National League North Play-Off Final.

Elsewhere, Alex Peterson was celebrating as Belper Town sealed promotion to Step 3 with a 1-0 victory at Chasetown and at NCEL level, it was party time too for Liam Nelthorpe who was in North Ferriby's line-up as they overcame Harrogate Railway in the Division One Play-Off Final to achieve promotion to Step 5.

Max Jemson (who was at Wembley at the weekend just gone to watch Nottingham Forest return to the Premier League) also made a terrific impact at Newark Town in the latter stages of the season. Having only joined the club in February, the 6ft4 centre-back put in multiple assured and commanding displays as Newark gazumped Retford United, Clay Cross Town and long-time league leaders Thorne Colliery to lift the Central Midlands Premier Division trophy.

Five former scholars with promotion medals may yet become six and that's because Danny Amos is preparing for the National League Play-Off Final with Grimsby Town.

The 22-year-old has established himself as first choice left-back since his arrival at Blundell Park in January, having racked up 20 appearances to date. He's also been involved in both matches of a rollercoaster Play-Off campaign so far as Grimsby dramatically overcame Notts County and Wrexham to book their place in the National League showpiece where they'll face Solihull Moors at the London Stadium.

Max Jemson made a positive impact at Newark Town (Photo: Newark Town FC).

Of course, whilst gaining promotion through the Play-Offs is a superb feeling, losing out in that way can be one of the hardest things to take in football.

Just ask Jonny Maxted. A beaten finalist during his spell at Exeter City (who've just ironically achieved automatic promotion), the 'keeper is nowadays at Northampton Town and kept goal at the Sixfields Stadium as the Cobblers' season came to an abrupt end with a Semi-Final Second Leg defeat to Mansfield Town.

Liam Mandeville, who made his England 'C' team debut since the last update on ex-scholars, also endured Play-Off despair as Chesterfield were consigned to a fifth season of non-league football when they were beaten at Solihull Moors last weekend. His 49 appearances have been enough to earn him an offer of a new contract at the Technique Stadium though.

Billy Whitehouse (at Chorley) lost out when they were beaten by York City in the National League North Play-Offs, Harry Middleton missed out with Cleethorpes Town at Step 4, whilst Brad Grayson was red carded as Rossington Main's hopes of a brilliant finish to their best ever season at Step 6 ended with a tough to take Semi-Final defeat to North Ferriby. Rosso might have lost by a much greater scoreline than just 2-0 had it not been for some excellent saves from Kian Johnson to further enhance his reputation.

I'll always maintain that Will McGowan was probably the most technically gifted player to pull on a DRFC shirt at youth team level and having won the 'Young Player Of The Year Award' at South Shields (where Kevin Phillips is manager), it's brilliant that he's making a positive impact in a first team setting. Even he couldn't crack the Play-Offs though as South Shields lost on penalties to Warrington Town in their NPL (Premier) Semi-Final meeting.

And despite a string of good individual displays and being in a top five position for much of the season, Aron Gordon never even got to compete in them as Grays Athletic somehow contrived to drop out of the top five in the Isthmian (Division One North) during the latter weeks of the season.

Will McGowan won the 'Young Player Of The Year Award' (Photo: South Shields FC).

Elsewhere, two former DRFC youngsters have performed well enough to earn themselves moves up the pyramid ahead of next season.

Michael Carberry put in some phenomenal displays for Bootle FC at Step 4 which resulted in him joining Southport on loan towards the end of the season. At Haig Avenue, some more impressive displays - including one which saw him earn a place in the divisional 'Team Of The Day' he's now made that move across Merseyside a permanent arrangement.

There's also a very good chance Declan Howe will be stepping up in 2022/23. Although nothing has been announced yet, you don't need to be a brain surgeon to work out he'll have multiple offers considering he was the second highest scorer in the NCEL (Premier); bagging 30 goals (including pre-season) for Staveley Miners Welfare who've had their request for relegation to the NCEL (Division One) accepted. 

Michael Carberry earned a place in the NLN Team Of The Day in April.

In other news:

- Liam Ravenhill bagged his first goal in senior football as Mickleover drew 3-3 against Buxton in April; he'll now be hoping to break into the first team at DRFC next season. 

- Ethan Bojang has left Peterborough United in search of first team football after a season in which he primarily featured for Posh's U23s.

- Lewis Cunningham was released by York City following the Minstermen's promotion to the National League. He ended the campaign on loan at Glossop North End.

- Andrew Boyce, whose story should offer inspiration to any young players currently looking for a club, has left Eastleigh after five years and over 200 appearances. Now 32, he's expected to move back north in the coming weeks.

- Craig Nelthorpe, who'll soon be 35, joined Ossett United from Belper Town shortly before the transfer window slammed shut in March.

- Josh Clemitson is going from strength to strength in America and recently joined Midwest United Men's USL-2 team after an impressive first year at Aquinas College.

- Joe Pugh was recently unveiled in a new player-coach role at Armthorpe Welfare following Lee Morris' takeover as chairman-manager at the club.

- Morgan James graced the Eco-Power Stadium pitch once again as Maltby Main were beaten by Worksop Town in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final on 30th April.

- Reece Fielding has chosen to leave Stocksbridge Park Steels (who play at Step 4) following a couple of seasons at the 'other' Eco-Power Stadium in Yorkshire.

- Jack Muldoon has been offered a new contract at Harrogate Town. The striker scored 13 goals in 50 outings for the League Two club last term.

- Tom Chambers gained his first experience of men's football when he made a handful of appearances on loan at Armthorpe Welfare in March/April.

Josh Clemitson playing for Aquinas College (Photo: AQMensSoccer).

Finally, there's no better place (or worse... as some might say) to end this piece than the Eco-Power Stadium and 12 players who began their careers in the youth team are moving on to pastures new.

Branden Horton is departing after making 41 first team appearances across four years whilst Lirak Hasani and AJ Greaves were also confirmed as being on the released list. Hasani ended the season on loan at Basford United (who earned a reprieve from relegation at Step 3) whereas Greaves was making a positive impression at York City until injury put an end to his season in March but he should be back fit for the upcoming pre-season.

Ben Blythe's move to Swansea City, where he'll be part of their U23s team, has now officially been rubber-stamped and he'll head to South Wales later this summer.

New deals were offered to Louis Jones, Ben Bottomley and Bobby Faulkner.

Eight scholars were also released. Perhaps the most surprising to depart was Tom Henson as he was the best amongst his peers over the past two years and actually scored in his game at the LFE Exit Trials last week. In no particular order, the others to depart were Will Hollings, Michael Nesbitt, Corie Cole, Dan Wilds, Tavonga Kuleya, Luke Chadwick and Alex Wolny.

Good luck to all the lads!

That (I think) just about covers everything for another month but as always if I've missed anything, let me know and I'll include it in the end of season update.

In the meantime, feel free to click on the following links if you've missed any previous articles on former DRFC scholars which features dozens more names and stories:

March | February | Xmas / New Year | November | October | September | August | July |.