The decision that changed everything.
Why you don’t need to wait for certainty to take a big step.
No certainty. Choosing anyway.
I took the biggest step in my career when I wasn’t sure it was the right one.
I was still under contract at Hull City.
I had my place. My routine. The security of being at home in Hull.
But deep down I felt: if I want to go further in professional football, I need to step outside my comfort zone...
I couldn’t ignore that feeling.
Someone who sees something in you
After a friendly against Cambuur, someone came into my life who changed everything.
Manager Nol de Ruiter.
Afterwards, I took him and the players out to one of Hull’s nightclubs, Romeo & Juliet. We had a great time and got chatting. He said something that has stayed with me ever since:
“I want you to come to Holland.”
It wasn’t a long speech. No analysis.
Just one sentence.
He saw something in me that I hadn’t quite dared to believe in myself.
Photo: Nol de Ruiter, Cambuur manager from 1976 to 1980. He was a people-focused coach who saw the person behind the player, and later worked as Rinus Michels’ assistant at Euro ’88. (Ed.)
A different world
I then joined SC Cambuur on loan.
And straight away, I realised: this is different.
We trained on grass.
We did focused warm-ups.
There was structure, care and a focus on development.
The football itself — 4:3:3 — also suited me much better than the direct 4:4:2 game I was used to.
I felt: I can grow here!
Setbacks are part of it
But growth never comes without challenges.
During pre-season on Terschelling, things went wrong.
A heavy workload, injury problems… and eventually an operation on my meniscus.
It cost me time. My rhythm. Matches.
When Cambuur played a decisive match for promotion, I couldn’t be involved. I was gutted.
That takes its toll.
But here’s what many players forget:
A setback doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place.
It’s often part of your development.
The second chance
I went back to Hull City. But Nol de Ruiter kept an eye on my progress.
And once again, he showed his faith in me.
He wanted to bring me to FC Wageningen, where he had since become manager.
Then something interesting happened. Hull City also… appointed a new manager. And he didn’t believe in giving young players a chance, including me.
The moment of truth
I was called into the office.
“There’s a manager in the Netherlands who wants you.
We want to sell you.”
That was the moment.
Unplanned. But perfect.
And decisive, as it would later turn out.
The conversation that made everything clear
At home, I spoke to my mum.
I explained everything.
She didn’t tell me what to choose.
No pressure.
She said:
“Follow your dream. And trust your gut.”
And that was enough.
The real choice
It wasn’t easy. I had something to lose.
My security. My familiar surroundings. Being close to my mum.
But I also had something to gain:
Growth. Development. A new direction.
So I made my choice.
Shortly after my 21st birthday, I left for Wageningen. And that was where my professional football career really began.
What you can learn from this
Many young players wait for certainty.
They want to know first whether something will work out.
Whether it’s safe.
Whether it’s the right choice.
But that’s not how it works.
Certainty doesn’t come before you take the step.
Certainty comes afterwards.
Your career isn’t defined by the opportunities you’re given, but by the choices you make when the stakes feel high.
Your next goal
Are you at a point where you’re unsure?
Are you staying where you are because it feels ‘safe’?
Or will you choose growth? Do you dare to step outside your familiar comfort zone?
Because one thing I know for sure:
- The most important steps never feel comfortable
- But they’re often the right ones
Want more honest insights like these?
Head to my website and watch the podcast:
FAQ
Why is it important to take risks as a footballer?
- Because growth happens outside your comfort zone. Without taking risks, your development stalls.
How do you know whether you’re making the right career choice?
- Often, you don’t know beforehand. You have to learn to trust your gut and be willing to learn along the way.
What can you do if you’re unsure about your next step?
- Talk to people who believe in you, but ultimately take responsibility for your own decision.