Everton released centre-back Bobby Thomas at the age of just 14 but he is now on the brink of becoming a Premier League player.
The Coventry City defender is currently playing his football with Frank Lampard’s Championship-topping side.
It has been 11 years since Thomas waved goodbye to Everton and Finch Farm as he chased his career away from Merseyside.
Thomas is leading the charge in the Championship with Coventry as the Sky Blues finally look to earn promotion to the top flight under the former Everton manager.
David Moyes has plenty of options at centre-back, but the 25-year-old, Thomas, is someone whose dreams were cut short at Finch Farm as an academy player.
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The Coventry defender has admitted being released by the Toffees as a young teenager provided him with the determination to make it as a professional.
Charlton Athletic v Coventry City - Sky Bet Championship
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Bobby Thomas used Everton rejection as fuel for successful career
Ironically, it has been suggested that Everton hold an interest in re-signing Thomas.
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The 25-year-old has since become a regular under Lampard, with 25 starts in the Championship this season.
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Speaking to ITV News, Thomas has commented on the rejection he received from Everton at the age of just 14.
“I’ve never had anything other than football in my sights. My goal has always been to be in the Premier League,” said Thomas.
Competition Apps Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Championship 25 2 3 5 1
EFL Cup 2 – – – –
TOTAL 27 2 3 5 1
“Being released from Everton, it was a case of, ‘What do you want to do now? Do you want to stay in football?’
“I didn’t have anything else, so I set my eyes on that goal with a full belief in myself to get there [Premier League].”
Everton are on the lookout for a new centre-back, with Michael Keane’s current deal at Finch Farm set to expire this summer.
Much like Keane, Thomas has proven himself to be a goal-scoring centre-back, with a return of two goals and three assists this season.
Bobby Thomas could be in line for an Everton reunion
Coventry are leading the way in the Championship for automatic promotion, as they hold a six-point gap [heading into Saturday’s games] over third-placed Millwall.
Thomas is also receiving interest from the likes of Everton following his fine displays in the Championship under Lampard.
In one way or another, Thomas looks destined to reunite with Everton either lining up for them or against them next season.
The Coventry boss is unlikely to be keen on the prospect of losing the 25-year-old considering he has used him 55 times since he was appointed.
Lampard is impressing in the Championship with Coventry having found his feet again after his Everton dismissal.
However, he will be looking to keep his best players at the club regardless of the outcome from the remaining months of the season.
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