Rueben Noble-Lazarus
In a week where Rochdale played a 15-year-old in the cup, here’s a glimpse of what can happen to exciting young talent that doesn’t quite make it.
Noble-Lazarus was 15 years and 45 days old when he made his Barnsely debut, having previously scored a hat trick for the Under 18 side whom he’d represented since the age of 12. he was progressing way ahead of his years and seemed to have a massive future all planned out. He had trials with Manchester United who were quoted a price of £1m.
In total, he played 49 times for the Tykes in seven seasons. that explosion onto the scene was followed by a whimper. he never fulfilled that early promise and spent time on loan with Scunthorpe and Rochdale before joining the latter on a permanent deal. After 50 games in three years, he was released.
He’s now 25 and without a club, a cautionary tale for Luke Matheson and all like him.