Goulding reaches his promised land

7:00am Saturday 27th September 2008

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HAVING reached the age of 24 and chased the dream of becoming a professional footballer for years - most people would have thrown the towel in a long time ago.

But fortunately for Cherries supporters - Jeff Goulding is obviously not most people.

The powerful centre forward is a shining example to the thousands of players who continue to ply their trade in the semi-professional ranks in the hope of one day reaching the promised land of the Football League.

Goulding, Cherries' recent acquisition from non-league, admits he thought his big chance might never come after trials with the likes of Reading and Watford passed him by in his younger years.

But by continuing to work hard on his game, the Sutton-born prospect finally got his opportunity when Cherries offered him a glimmer of hope.

The Dorset club's previous manager, Kevin Bond, handed Goulding a trial and, after impressing in training, the rookie striker landed himself a full-time deal.

He needn't have been worried about the step up in class, either, as it all seems to have been taken firmly in his stride.

After making a dream start to his Cherries career by netting a debut goal against Bristol Rovers, Goulding's form has showed no sign of dipping, as the former Fisher Athletic star bagged another goal in last weekend's brilliant victory at Bradford City.

He is again set to lead the line for Jimmy Quinn's men this afternoon at Dean Court against Darlington (3pm) and he is loving life in the pro ranks.

"To be here, I'm over the moon," he told the Daily Echo.

"There are times when you think it won't happen but I carried on and kind of knew it was around the corner if I really wanted it and worked hard.

"Last year I had a good year with Fisher, got picked for the non-league England team and my profile went up a bit.

"I got a chance to come down here through my agent and it was a case of doing what I do and hoping for the best.

"As it turned out, I've played, so it's gone well."

Born in Sutton in May 1984, the young Goulding did the same as any other football-mad kid and joined his local team, Shirley Juniors, before a stint at Tooting and Mitcham Youth led to him eventually progressing to Croydon, where he made his non-league debut at the tender age of 17.

Life in the semi-pro game meant balancing working as a builder, then in a bank, with training and matches.

But the effort was worth it as Goulding always had his eyes firmly fixed on making his burning ambition a reality.

He said: "If it wasn't my aim to play professionally, I probably wouldn't have played in the non-league, I'd have probably just gone and enjoyed it.

"I've always put the effort in and travelled about, I've done a few miles on the clock and finally got here."

Goulding, who started his career in senior football as a right midfielder and central midfielder, emphasised his desire to make an impression early in his Cherries career, something his record of two goals in three starts so far has certainly achieved.

"Coming from non-league people are probably thinking where's he come from and who's he?' said Goulding.

"So to get a goal and do well in the few games I've played in is nice. I couldn't have asked for a better start.

"At Bradford we played well and showed a few people what we're about. I'm confident we can get out of the trouble we're in and push on.

"It's my aim to get people to like me and want me to be in the team."

While most players in the modern game come through academies and youth systems, Goulding's career path has taken a very different route.

But as long as he keeps doing the business and forging a good reputation for himself, the thought that his time in the limelight might never come will soon seem a distant memory.