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The latest episode of The CodCast , Fleetwood Town’s official podcast, is now live, featuring winger Ethan Ennis in conversation with host Ben Knapman.
Recorded at Poolfoot Farm, the episode follows Ethan’s journey from a football-mad kid in Runcorn to one of the most exciting young wide players to come through Manchester United’s academy, reflecting on the key moments, decisions and experiences that have shaped his career so far.
Ethan starts by talking about life at Fleetwood Town, where he’s made an immediate impact since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says. “I’ve settled in quickly, the lads and staff have been brilliant, and I feel like I’ve come in and done quite well. It’s been a really good place to be.”
He then looks back to where it all began. His earliest memories are of playing football with friends before joining Liverpool’s academy at the age of five. “I can’t really remember anything before football,” he laughs. “I was just always kicking a ball about. I joined Liverpool really young and stayed there all the way through.”
Even while at Liverpool, he still played grassroots football with Heath Rangers, balancing both worlds until academy life became more serious around age nine. “At first it’s just little games and having fun,” he explains, “but as you get older it gets more detailed and structured, especially around high school age when everyone hits growth spurts and it all becomes a bit more serious.”
Growing up, his idol was clear. “Luis Suárez,” he says without hesitation. “I used to love him. He was unbelievable for Liverpool, the goals, the intensity, everything.”
At 16, Ethan made the bold move from Liverpool to Manchester United, becoming the first player in more than 50 years to do so. Despite the attention, he felt it was the right time. “It was a bit box-office at the time,” he smiles, “but I was young and the people around me felt it was right. Both clubs are massive and the fundamentals of development are similar. I just wanted a fresh challenge.”
Ethan talks about the demands of the United academy and the closeness between youth and first-team football. “Everyone knows the standards, on and off the pitch,” he says. “Training with the first team regularly really helps. Any exposure at that level helps massively.”
He also reflects on Premier League 2, EFL Trophy and National League Cup games as a bridge to men’s football. “They’re big games,” he explains, “they show you the physicality, the tempo, the know-how, and put you in the shop window for loan opportunities.”
That opportunity came in January 2025 when Doncaster Rovers moved for him after tracking his performances. Ethan made 15 appearances as the club pushed for promotion from League Two. “It taught me a lot,” he says. “Going from under-21 football to the men’s game is a big step, but Doncaster was brilliant. The intensity, the competitiveness, the pressure, it all helped me grow.”
He laughs when asked about the celebrations. “There were a few,” he admits. “Being that close to the fans after promotion, seeing what it meant, it was a proper eye-opener. That’s what football is about.”
The move to Fleetwood was the next natural step, and Ethan speaks warmly about adapting to life on the Fylde Coast and the ambition he’s brought with him. “It’s a great club,” he says, “I want to keep learning, keep contributing, and help the team as much as I can. Every loan, every experience is part of your journey, you take something from all of it.”
Across the episode, Ethan comes across as grounded, thoughtful and determined, a young footballer with elite schooling, real-world experience, and a hunger to keep progressing.
Listeners will get an honest, relaxed look into his story, from academy battles and career-defining decisions to his first taste of senior football and the excitement of representing Fleetwood Town.
It’s a conversation full of insight, humility and ambition from a winger who is only just getting started.