Stanley's new keeper Simon Bloch Jorgensen quit his job in his native Denmark to take a chance in English football – and said his debut was ‘unbelievable.'
The 24-year-old made his Accrington bow against Preston in the 3-2 win in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, pulling off a string of impressive saves to keep out the Championship team.
At 6 foot 9” he is a formidable presence and he admits his former job didn't help his tall frame.
“I worked in a kindergarten in Denmark with children aged around three to six years old,” said Jorgensen. “I had to do a lot of kneeling down!”
Jorgesen is on a temporary contract with the Reds, brought in last week to battle with Aaron Chapman for the number one spot, and admits he came to Stanley in a round-about way.
“I was playing part-time football in Denmark, working at the kindergarten and also training in the morning and afternoon.“I quit my job in November last year to come over to England as my dream is to play football in England.
“I had a niggling knee injury in November which didn't help me so I went back to Denmark, continued playing and getting fit, and then returned to England in February.
“I went to West Ham, initially just to train with them, and stayed longer and went on a few training camps with them. They wanted to help me find a club and I also knew Accrington's goalkeeper coach Billy Stewart so I got in touch with Billy, he spoke to West Ham and that's how I came here.”
Jorgensen was thrust into the spotlight against Preston at the Wham Stadium on Tuesday and admitted he was nervous at first.
“When I walked out onto the ground, I was fulfilling my dream of playing English football and I wanted to stop and take it all in. It was unbelievable for me. There were 3,000 there, it was packed and it felt like a lot more.
“I was nervous at the start, I snatched at a shot early on, and I had to remember ‘it's just football' and I think I grew into the game and I enjoyed it. It was a great win at the end and it was nice that the fans got behind me.
“I just want to keep working hard and see what happens. I have settled in – I do feel tall unless I am talking to Chappy (Aaron Chapman) and then we are eye to eye which is unusual for both of us!”