Interview #34- Bryn Morris

Bryn Morris is an English professional soccer player currently playing for Portsmouth FC of EFL League 1. Morris, a 23 year old midfielder, has already built quite a resume for himself throughout the english leagues. Morris started his career off at Middlesborough, and four loan spells at Burton Albion, Coventry City, York City, and Walsall followed. The Englishman then moved on to Shrewsbury Town, where he made 31 appearances for The Shrews. While at Shrewsbury, Morris was loaned to the Wycombe Wanderers and helped the Chairboys in their first season back in EFL League 1. Recently, Morris made the move to his current club, Portsmouth FC, and is looking to make an impact for one of England's most historic clubs. A true midfielder, Morris is a work horse and is the glue of the team.

The Bryn Morris Interview

1. Growing up in Hartlepool, what was your youth career like?
Very good, you don't realise in the time there probably the most enjoyable days of your career playing with freedom no pressure enjoying it all. Sacrificed a lot though, 3 nights of training a week 2 days day release from school, missing things like prom etc. I chose to do that tho as football has always come first.

2. In 2013, you made your senior debut for Middlsborough in an FA Cup match against Hastings United. How were you feeling after stepping onto the pitch for the first time with the senior squad?
I was used to being around the squad having trained with them a lot, but making your debut is definitely a different feeling a good one. But for me personally at the end of the day it's a game of football it's probably more after the game were u look and think ‘oh i just made my debut’ it was only against hastings no disrespect to them but looking back it wasn't a major game, however one I will remember.

3. Two months after your debut, you signed your first professional contract. What were you thinking as you signed for your boyhood club?
Was a strange time leading up to signing my professional contract. I was very close to signing for Liverpool in particular and Everton at the time, my parents had numerous meetings with the chairman manager and different people at the club. But in the end i thought i would have the best pathway and route to first team football. Not one to look back but if i could go back i would have gone to Liverpool. Behind the scenes stuff played a big part my agent at the time etc.

4. In 2014, you were loaned to Burton Albion. How was your time with the Brewers?
I really enjoyed my time at burton and working with jimmy floyd hasselbaink. I remember I played on the wing there which was alien to me but actually enjoyed it. Remember my first few training sessions and game it hit me hard, was very physically demanding. I think it was just my body still adapting to coming out of school and training hard every day not just for an hour and a half 3 nights a week. It takes time

5. Following that, you were put out on three more loan spells at Coventry City, York City, and Walsall. What did you learn as a player and person in these loan spells?
If I could go back again i would have stayed at coventry and been more patient, but with big ambitions and being young not seeing the bigger picture with everyone predicting a bright future I want to be playing regularly in a first team environment. As a player  I learned managers around then levels aren't just looking for a pretty footballer, it's hard work and putting your body on the line. As a person, I think it's going in to new dressing rooms different people and personalities rather than the boys u have grown up with all your life playing with. Also learning to stand on your own 2 feet having to cook for yourself, being alone away from family. It's not easy

6. After being at Middlesborough since a young age, your contract ran out and you signed with Shrewsbury Town. What was the process of permanently changing teams like?
I felt the time was right to leave i had been at the club from 6 year old. The club was in a transitional period, the youth at the time didn't have a chance under the manager then. I wanted to prove myself. 

7. How was your transition from Middlesbrough to Shrewsbury.
I initially only signed a 6 month deal so wasn't long term. I was confident in going there and earning a new deal, it was a risk in case it didn't work, injury etc. But i still did it. It was tough, having moved permanently it's different from a loan because u have your parent club to fall back on if it doesn't work, here i would of had nothing looking back i was very brave to be fair. Very lucky in the type of club shrewsbury was a family one, a nice part of the country and not a million miles from home. So it was quite easy to settle.

8. You spent the 18/19 season on loan with Wycombe Wanderers. How was your season with Wycombe and what does that club mean to you?
Best and most enjoyable time in my career played with a lot of freedom and was a great dressing room. Club means a lot to me good values great manager fans top class just a really good club.

9. Who’s your biggest role model and why?
Biggest role model- Gerrard. Love his passion and aggression, has a bit of everything in his game and like how he adapted his style of play later in his career when he had to drop back to a deeper position. His distribution and set plays one of the best there's been imo.

10. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Good question. I don't put much on social media so people don't know a lot about me anyway as i am a family orientated person small circle of mates and dedicated to football (boring many would say hahaha) 
I honestly don't have an answer for that haha

11. What has stuck out to you the most in your step up from academy to professional?
The everyday training, relentless. Can't afford to live wrong. 

12. What’s your biggest word of advice for youngsters working to become pro?
Work hard and be professional every training session and off the pitch. Enjoy every minute. And believe in yourself.

13. You’ve also represented England on a youth level, what does it mean for you to wear your countries badge?
Playing for England there isn't a better feeling, especially captaining the team and leading the lads out. Training and in a hotel for long periods of time is so boring but it's worth it for the matches. It's a different type of buzz compared to a normal game for your club.

14. Any last words for the readers?
Going back to what I would advise any youngsters chasing their dreams, believe in yourself to the point where it seems delusional. I've played with players who I never thought would go on to do what there doing now and most had a delusional mentality. If you do the things I said to question 14 you have half a chance. So many  players with a better mentality do more than the people with the ability.


​

Chris Dailey

Founder, The Sports Court

Big thank you to Bryn for the amazing interview! Best of luck this season!

photo via https://www.instagram.com/brynmorris1