‘Reality hits you’ - Kevin Berkoe reflects on his football journey

Kevin Berkoe has opened up on the challenges he has faced on his journey to playing for Shrewsbury Town.

Berkoe became Gavin Cowan’s first signing on January transfer deadline day, joining from Salford City for an undisclosed fee. The wide defender then impressed during his first few months with Town.

The 24-year-old’s football journey began in Chelsea’s academy before he spent time in Wolves’ youth system. He later joined Oxford United and had spells with a number of Football League and non-league clubs.

Asked whether he had faced challenges during his career, particularly after being released by a Premier League academy, Berkoe said: “It's just a reality check, really.

“Obviously, you're going down the levels. You start off at one of the best clubs in the world and then you just come down the leagues. Reality hits you, but you've just got to keep going.

“Obviously, the setbacks as well, injuries, loans. Just keep going out on loans, not getting a look in at a club you're at. You've just got to stay strong mentally and just keep going.”

Berkoe’s move to Shrewsbury saw him reunite with Cowan, under whom he briefly played during a loan spell at AFC Telford United in September 2021.

Cowan brought him to the Bucks during his spell in charge there, and the pair are now reunited at Salop - a relationship Berkoe admitted attracted him to the club and helped him settle quickly.

But it is not just the Town manager who is a familiar face around the club, with Berkoe also knowing another member of the coaching staff from his time at Wolves.

“I started at Chelsea when I was young, I was there for five, six years,” he added.

“I got released at 15, went to Wolves and then spent my scholarly years there - two years where Pash (Sean Parrish) was my coach.”

The 24-year-old played a key role in Salop’s revival under Cowan as they secured safety. After making his debut as a substitute at Colchester United, Berkoe started each of Town’s remaining games.

The versatile defender arrived at a crucial stage of the season and did not experience what the atmosphere had been like beforehand. However, he praised the mood within the squad under Cowan.

He said: “I can only go off what I've seen. From there to now, it's been the same.

“Everything was positive, it was on the up. The togetherness was still there.”

The 24-year-old is among the players under contract at Shrewsbury for next season.

Berkoe spent time on loan at Rochdale in the National League before joining Town and will face them next season after they secured promotion to League Two through the play-offs.

The defender has remained based in the north west and commutes to Salop.

He explained: “I'm still living in Manchester, so obviously commuting and staying in hotels. It’s alright.”

Upon joining the club, Berkoe said in an interview that he loved his mum’s cooking - and admitted that is what he misses most while living away from home.

“I am,” he said. “It's just something I'm used to now though, living away from home.”