Bucks' Paul Harrison praises Glenn Hoddle

New AFC Telford United winger Paul Harrison has paid tribute to former England star Glenn Hoddle - for giving him his big break.

The 25-year-old has joined the Bucks on a one-year deal after graduating from the Glenn Hoddle Academy in southern Spain.

Harrison was coached by Hoddle and his top team, which included the likes of Graham Rix and Nigel Spackman.

And he admits he would not have been able to dream about the chance to join the semi-pro ranks with Telford had it not been for his Spanish adventure.

""It was amazing being out there and training twice a day - it was like being a professional player really," said Harrison.

"We were playing against under-23 teams from the likes of Villareal, Real Madrid and Real Betis.

Imagine

"Playing against players of that calibre was unbelievable for my development and the coaching was world class - as you could imagine from the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Graham Rix.

"They still stay in touch now. I owe it all to them because they took me from where I was and gave me the chance."

Harrison is a qualified nutritionist having completed his degree at Leeds Metropolitan and will still be based in Yorkshire.

But he didn't think twice about signing for Telford, despite the prospect of a round trip of almost 200 miles for training.

"It's a bit of a commute but I don't want to play where the ball's in the air all the time and you get sore neck syndrome," he said.

"Andy (Sinton, the Telford manager) wants to play the game the right way, and hopefully it will be worth the drive. Hopefully the team and the fans will make the hours and hours in the car worthwhile."

By CHRIS HUDSON