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Club News

From teacher to footballer

13 July 2019

Club News

From teacher to footballer

13 July 2019

When footballers sign for EFL clubs, it's usually just a case of turning up, training and then playing games - Stanley's new signing Colby Bishop has to work a week's notice first!

The striker has signed from National League North side Leamington for an undisclosed fee and is also working as a Learning Mentor and PE teacher at a primary school, Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

He came through the ranks at Notts County, leaving when he was 19, and dropped into non-league football while training to be a teacher and playing part-time, before becoming prolific for Leamington last season and catching the eye of John Coleman.

"It's sad to be leaving teaching but I am over the moon to be here." said the 22-year-old.

"I have been working there for two years and have a really good relationship with the staff. I teach PE and am a Learning Mentor so I do a lot of one-to-ones with children who struggle.

"It's a really good school, the kids will miss me and I think I am having a Leavers Assembly on Friday so it could be quite emotional. I have loved it there but it's time to move on.

"I know the gaffer here (John Coleman) was a primary school teacher as well and I still have to go to work next week and he said he had to do the same thing for three weeks when Accrington turned professional so he does understand it. We have common ground.

"I got an instant connection with this manager, it's a club that wants to go in the right direction. I have only been here one day and I can tell it's a lovely place to be."

He continued:  "It was a big decision to give up teaching but it was a decision that didn't take a lot of thinking about, professional football is what I used to do and it's what I have always wanted to do and I am looking forward to getting going.

"It's going back to what I want to do - to work hard and have the time to work hard as doing both jobs, it has been hard to find the time."

Colby suffered an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury at Notts County and had an operation in December 2017 but came back in October 2018 and has never looked back with 29 goals from then onwards.

"I had an operation but since I came back at the end of October, I have played 90 minutes every game since and hopefully touch wood, it's a new lease of life.

"It was a good season last year, I ended up scoring 29 goals and hopefully I can recreate some of that form here.

"I had a couple of games at Notts County so I have had a sniff of EFL life, in fact I was on the bench for a game at Accrington.

"I know it's faster but I know I am fit enough and I will work hard enough."

He is especially relishing the opening game of the Sky Bet League One season.

"It's at Lincoln, it's right on my doorstep and I am really looking forward to it."


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