Thursday 8th July 2021
CALUM WILSON had spent the last 16 months wondering if it was all over before he’d even finished being a teenager.
Released by Hibernian, and with nowhere to play his football due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all he could do was stay in shape, and wait for the phone to ring.
It did, and now he can’t wait to get started.
A home gymnasium may be one of the most inspired purchases the 17-year-old’s family has made, as he’s used it to keep fit during his abeyance from football.
Having become a Dumbarton player for the coming season earlier today, he’s now anxious to take his chance at the Rock.
He earned his deal after impressing as a trialist substitute in friendlies against East Kilbride, Motherwell, Morton and Clydebank.
Speaking to www.dumbartonfootballclub.com, Calum said: “I’ve not had very much luck with football, but Dumbarton have decided to take a punt on me and give me a chance. It’s been a long time coming.
“It’s been a hard time. I’d been talking to my dad about whether the dream was over.
“I’d been at Hibernian since I was about seven or eight and I just left last year at 16. Having been there so long I’d ended up following the team and being a fan.
“I’d got to know a lot of the boys and the fans, but you know when it’s the right time.
“Fortunately my family have been keeping me motivated and when I knew I was coming here, I thought I needed to take the chance.
“Luckily I’ve got a gym in my house and I’ve just been using that to keep fit. I’ve also been going up to the local pitch with my dad, uncle and cousin, and we’ve been doing training there.
“I’ve rediscovered my love of football when I’ve played for Dumbarton on trial. The lads have been brilliant and made me feel really welcome.
“It’s been brilliant and I’ve realised I’m happy I never chucked it.”
Calum has been impressed by what he’s seen from his new team-mates during the pre-season schedule.
He now hopes that despite his young age, he’ll now be able to force his way into regular first team contention with Sons.
He added: “It’s always hard coming on in the second half of games, but we’ve played good football.
“Against Motherwell, you would expect a Premiership team to run over the top of us but we did really well in the second half, and I thought we were brilliant in the second half against Clydebank as well.
“Now the aim is to get myself into the team. The manager has said I’ll get chances and I just need to take them when they come along.
“Hopefully I can do that and get myself into the starting XI.”
Andy Galloway