One of the best things I’ve put together so far during my time at Manchester City has been the Long Read about Jack Grealish’s football journey to date.
He was a player I admired immensely during my years at Aston Villa – and I was touched when he turned up to see me off when I left the Training Ground for the last time in 2019.
Fast forward three years and I’ve followed him to City and so I felt that with my claret and blue background and contacts book, I’d be ideal person to write a piece highlighting his origin story.
After all, I’d seen him as a 15-year-old in the youth team and watched his progression to first team captain, leading the team back to the Premier League.
It ended up being a 5,500 word piece and I loved working on it.
I am immensely indebted to his former managers Tim Sherwood, Steve Bruce, Dean Smith and Shaun Derry for their time speaking to me.
Sherwood in particular was gushing in his praise and all four spoke passionately and protectively of their former charge.
Called ‘Super Jack Grealish: Precious Gem to Crown Jewel’, it’s the story of Grealish told by the managers who’ve shaped his career to date.
Check out a selection of the best quotes below.
“The kid has got a Mensa football brain” – Tim Sherwood 💬
“I took a shine to him straight away. I loved his attitude. It was a privilege to work with him” – Steve Bruce 💬
“He’s the most naturally talented player I’ve worked with. If I didn’t say he was the best player I worked with, he wouldn’t talk to me again!” – Dean Smith 💬
“We would have got relegated without him” – Shaun Derry 💬
Paul Brown 