By Tom Slatcher

I recently got the chance to sit down with Jamal Branker. Branker started his career at Southampton, playing with the likes of Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse before his release in 2012. Since then, Branker has played for Marlow, Salford City and is now playing his trade at FC United of Manchester.

In this interview, Branker discusses his opinion on academy football, his personal journey since his release and the pressures which comes with playing for one of the best academies in English football.

How much did the coaches at Southampton help improve your game?

JB: Well I started at Southampton as a striker, and then started playing right back and ended up playing as a winger. So I think they developed my understanding of the game in different positions and that helped me to be as versatile as possible on the pitch, adapting to different positions when my manager needs me to, it’s helped me massively.

Do you feel there is too much pressure put on academy players now compared to 20 years ago, with games being televised and added media pressure?

JB: No, not at all. I think it is a good way of advertising the young players coming through the academies. Yes, you get recognised earlier compared to past years, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing getting noticed really. In my opinion it’s great to be prepared for what could happen if you get to the first team.

Has the quality of players who you’ve played with at Southampton helped your game improve?

JB: 100%. You can only improve by testing yourself against the best, not only training with them, but playing against the best 6/7 days a week. It can only result in you getting better. The quality of the academy at Southampton is incredible, there was some real talent there, and proven with players going on to play in the Premier League from my time there.

“You can only test yourself against the best, not only training with them, but playing against the best”

How did you deal with being released at academy level, and how did you bounce back?

JB: Obviously it was a massively disappointing, certainly a massive setback with where I wanted to be. At the end of the day, I’m just one of thousands being told the same thing each year. The only thing I could see to do, was to go and prove them wrong, that’s my drive to this day.

What’s your journey been since the release from Southampton?

JB: It’s not gone how I envisaged it if I’m honest, but then again I’m healthy and still playing and that is the main thing. I’ve been on a few trials, later I dropped down a few divisions in order to gain experience against experienced adults, which helped my game. Since then I’ve played for Marlow, Salford City and I’m currently playing for FC United and really enjoying it here.

What was the best part of playing in Southampton’s academy, with it being known as one of the best in England?

JB: Being at a club like Southampton, it is incredible. Everything is basically done for you right up to the time you step on the pitch. The best part about Southampton for me would have to be the family feeling you get throughout the club. That was whether you played in the academy, reserves or first team. Everyone felt welcome and the staff there was second to none.

Finally, what advice would you give to a young footballer playing at academy level?

JB: My advice would be to enjoy every day and work hard, because you never know when it could come to an end. One day you’re going to matches and training daily, the next, you’re being told your contract isn’t being renewed. Just enjoy every second; it’s the best job in the world.