Boyhood Wednesdayite Liam Waldock remembers when his Sheffield Wednesday career began
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Waldock has been with the Owls more than half of his young life, and as a Wednesdayite growing up is living the dream of many Sheffield youngsters after having his contract at the club extended by another year.
The 20-year-old midfielder could get the opportunity of more game time in the senior setup next season following relegation into League One, with the youngster having been one of the standout performers for Lee Bullen’s U23s in 2020/21.
He’s come a long way since his Wednesday story began…
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Hide Ad“It was a long time ago,” he told the club’s official website not long after his new deal was confirmed. “But I remember all of it, it was such a huge thing for me and my family… I was playing Sunday League and was noticed by one of the scouts and offered a six-week trial. My first game in the second week of the trial was against Newcastle and I think we lost 8-7 but I scored two goals.
“Straight after the game the club said they wanted to sign me up and without hesitation it was a yes! My mum was crying, I was absolutely buzzing. Just a brilliant memory to have.”
Fast-forward just over a decade, and Waldock was lining up against Premier League opponents, Fulham, for his senior Owls debut, and while the youngster says it was a big day for him, he’s been determined not to let his levels slip.
He went on to say, “That’s another one of the milestones you never forget, making your debut… A lot of emotions all packed in there, it was amazing. You’re nervous, you’re excited, you just want the game to come, and I thought I grew into it as it went on.
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Hide Ad“I felt really good out there and I want that again. It’s been tough since but I’ve knuckled down, worked hard and put 100% in.”
That attitude, and the promise that he’s shown so far, will stand him in good stead with Darren Moore, and Waldock will be desperate to make his mark in preseason as the boss weighs up his plans for the season ahead.