Danny Blanchett Turns Professional Danny first walked through the doors at EastWest Studios in June 2005, introduced by his best friend Phil Ifil, current professional at Tottenham Hotspurs. The young Blanchett was very down regarding his football, having been released by QPR the year before and having unsuccessful trials at Wigan and Wycombe Wanderers. He was at rock bottom at this point not able to even get a first team start at local Ryman's league club Hendon FC. Perhaps part of the reason for this was that although he was an obviously technically gifted player, as a defender Danny was simply too weak, and lacked the power and pace to make a mark in senior football. Right away Johnny (Silmon) gave him a full fitness assessment, identifying weaknesses, and setting him up with a specific weight training plan that would focus on increasing his speed, power, and agility. It was around this time that the chance came for him to play at Harrow Borough FC, also in the Ryman's League. What with his new found physical prowess, along with his improved technical acquisitions care of Steve's Technical training sessions, Danny started the 2005-2006 season fully equipped and raring to go playing left back for South Harrow outfit. The time spent battling on the pitch week in and week out in the old Isthmian league was the young players 'baptism of fire', and some seven months later with a number of outstanding performances and 'Man Of The Match' awards, a seven day approach was put in for him by Conference South side Cambridge City FC. He was finally on his way up, and a step closer to his dream of being a pro footballer. Many times after a gruelling training session at EastWest Studios or down the heath, Danny would go for pasta with Johnny & Steve. There the two coaches would input into the young lad, not only offering constructive technical and tactical advice, but also discussing the plan that would get him playing League Football. Everything seemed to be going well, with some rumoured interest in him from a number of clubs but nothing concrete. It was one Saturday during a tough away fixture to Newport County FC that a hard tackle from behind saw Danny limp off. Initially it seemed no more than a knock, but it was far worse than first thought. After a number of medical examinations he was diagnosed with a fracture of the Calcaneus (Heel Bone). To say he was devastated was an understatement. In his own mind it was a huge setback to his progression. With each month passing by Danny sunk into a deeper sense of despair, even to the point of mild depression. What made matters worse was that the medical diagnoses were often contradicting amongst Doctors. It was during the fourth month of his injury that Steve (Benitez) an accomplished therapist took it upon himself to take Danny for a run. With all of the information given, Steve felt that the injury was clear but the problem of pain was due to scar tissue. He persuaded Danny to go for a slow run with him, over Hampstead Heath, where many of the technical sessions would take place. Initially the Cambridge City player was apprehensive but soon both of them were running at a good pace through the picturesque London Park. There was some pain in the heel, but surprisingly the next day Dan felt the heel a lot more comfortable. Steve's hunch proved right in that the run via friction helped to remove scar tissue that was deeply embedded in the foot. Within 10 days Danny was once again back on the field of play for Cambridge City. Steve had discussed with Johnny his plan to get Liverpool to look at Danny, once he was back to full fitness. His rationale for this was not only had he contacts at the legendary club, but he genuinely felt Danny could play for the European giants. High praise indeed! Steve contacted Liverpool and initially was met with disagreement due the fact that Cambridge City was too low a level of football. Undeterred, Steve drove up to Liverpool's Melwood training ground and met with a number of top officials. It was agreed that scouts would be sent to monitor the young players' performances and to give him a complete assessment. After a number of games, Liverpool spoke with Steve, shocked with how well Danny had done in their assessment. The stage was set and the lad was being driven by the agent up to Anfield. It was almost unbelievable as only a matter of weeks before he was wondering when he was going to play football again. What was discovered only later on was that Danny's trial was just for a day - it seemed Liverpool understandably had their reservations. By now everyone knows the story as it has been featured on numerous websites and in a number of papers. Right from the start Steve new Danny signing for Liverpool was a long shot but that no matter what it would alert the rest of the footballing world of this new hot prospect ? smart marketing and public relations to say the least! It is correctly written that in all almost 50 clubs showed keen interest in the young player, but at the end of the day Wolves, Watford, and Peterborough Utd seemed the most probable to sign him. Often in life, whoever makes a pre emptive strike is victorious and it was Peterborough with their vision and resource that decided to invite Danny in on a Sunday to view both the club and potential. After some tough negotiations between Steve Benitez, Barry Fry, and the 'Boro Chairman', not to mention the fact the team manager Darren Ferguson, son of the great Sir Alex, really wanted Danny to sign, that at about 3pm Daniel Blanchett signed a deal that for him fulfilled a life long dream ? a professional football contract. There is so much more to this story but one thing is clear ? with determination, belief and a good team working with you anything in life is possible. This is only the start for Danny. Watch this space for news as well as the highly inspiring upcoming DVD on his life thus far. Feel free to add yourself to his Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/dannyblanchett