Gary
Taylor-Fletcher
So overnight sensation he is most definitely not.
But woe betide anybody who tells the Blackpool midfielder he has
no right to be rubbing shoulders with the great and the good at the
top of the game - like at Arsenal today.
The 29-year-old, six-footer insisted: "I've had to work hard for
years to get here so nobody can say I haven't earned the right to
finally match myself against the very best.
"It's been a lifelong dream which has now become an incredible
whirlwind adventure and I intend to savour every minute of it.
"I haven't had it easy like those youngsters who come up through
the ranks at a Premier League club.
"They have all the facilities in the world, the best coaches and
the chance to work every day in an unbelievable set-up.
"They have every opportunity to make themselves better players
and I know I would have benefited tremendously from something like
that. But I didn't get it, nothing like it.
"Me? I started out as a hopeful teenager at Northwich Victoria
in the Conference.
"I got £300 a week and worked nights at a Widnes hotel to get an
extra £100 to help fund my ambition to be a full-time
footballer."
And he's been on one hell of a journey since then to finally
realise that goal.
He has turned out for Hull City, Leyton Orient, Grays Athletic,
Dagenham and Redbridge, Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town along
the way - and even changed his name from Gary Fletcher after
marrying Viv Taylor six years ago.
Then in 2007 he signed for Blackpool and he has been living the
Tangerine Dream ever since, becoming a real favourite at Bloomfield
Road.
No wonder because Taylor-Fletcher scored in the thrilling 3-2
win over Cardiff in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in
May.
And he topped that last week by scoring their first-ever Premier
League goal to kick-start the 4-0 rout of near-neighbours
Wigan.
But he says the reality of life in the Premier League will
really hit home today at the Emirates as Blackpool take on one of
England's most illustrious clubs.
Taylor-Fletcher added: "Arsenal are a great team full of
internationals with one of the best managers in the game. They play
the type of football that everyone wants to watch, they are
unbelievable.
"It's all very surreal and, yes, you do have to pinch yourself
at times to remind yourself that it's finally happened.
"But you also have to think it's my chance to prove I am good
enough, that we are good enough.
"In my time in the lower divisions I've had the chance to play
against big teams before.
"When I was at Huddersfield I played against Chelsea at Stamford
Bridge and scored.
"So I know as a small team you can raise your game sometimes in
a one-off match. But we are in the top league now and we have to
raise our game 38 times this season to compete. And I'm sure we
will.
"I promise you we're not just here to make up the numbers - we
are going to have a go."
Like most Scousers, the Liverpool-born lad is not short of an
opinion, especially on top players' wages.
He added: "It's ridiculous. Yaya Toure earns more in a month at
Manchester City than three of our players will in a year.
"But it's not all about how much you earn, it's what you do on
the pitch and I'm confident we will surprise quite a few teams this
season."
He also reckons they might surprise the odd manager along the
way, too.
Taylor-Fletcher said: "Fabio Capello's bound to be at one of our
games when we play one of the big teams.
"And I know he's looking for fresh faces - although maybe at 29
I've missed my chance.
"But he should take a look at Alex Baptiste, he's definitely one
for the future."
Taylor-Fletcher is also full of praise for his own manager Ian
Holloway who has won over fans up and down the country with his
off-beat, laugh-a-minute interviews and attitude.
But his midfield ace insists "the gaffer" is far more than just
a quick wit and repartee act.
Taylor-Fletcher said: "Yes, he has a story for everything, an
anecdote for this and for that.
"But behind every little tale there is a message, so there's
actually a reason for what he's saying. And I don't think people
understand what a brilliant football brain he has.
"But hopefully they will realise that this season for he has
such an enthusiasm, such a passion for the game and an amazingly
positive attitude.
"That's why I don't think we will be found wanting."
And just to make sure, Taylor-Fletcher has announced he is
making the ultimate sacrifice this season.
He confessed: "I have to admit that in the past I didn't really
take too much notice of my diet.
"And my perfect night out is to go to the Chinese with my family
and friends. What would I have? Everything!
"But I realise I can't be doing that every week any more. You
can maybe get away with it in the lower leagues.
"But in the Premier League you have to do everything right if
you want to survive.
"I've worked so hard to get to this level I want to make it last
as long as I possibly can."
Now that's what you call using your noodle!
