Age: 31 years old.
Nationality: English
Position: Midfielder
Current club: Caersws FC
Former clubs: Penrhyncoch, Bentleigh Greens, Dandedong Thunder, Rhyl, Barry Town, Aberystwyth Town (x4).
WHEN it comes to choosing between having a successful career in the Welsh Premier League or having the chance to spend time playing abroad, I’m sure it would be a tough decision for a player to make. Luckily for Luke Sherbon, he has had the chance to enjoy both during his illustrious journey.
Born in Birmingham, he first moved to Leeds as a youngster, where he played alongside the likes of Aaron Lennon. He then made the move to Aberystwyth and after starting his senior career at Park Avenue, he twice left the club to join Barry Town.
He returned to the Black and Green’s in late 2004 and was a regular member of the first team squad until signing for Rhyl in January 2009, where he went on to lift the Welsh Prem title and play in the Champions League qualifiers with the Lillywhites.
However, in August of that same year, he once again returned to Aberystwyth.
He then spent the following summer playing down under for Dandenong Thunder in Australia’s Victoria Premier League and won the 2012 VPL Grand Final with the club before moving to rivals Bentleigh Greens.
He returned to Aber one last time and stayed there until his recent move to Caersws FC.
He leaves the Welsh Prem having made 280 appearances scoring 62 goals (mostly for Aberystwyth) and has a league title to cherish from his time at Rhyl. He is considered by many to be one of the best midfielders to have played in the League.
Recently, Luke answered a few of AFEFootballNews’ questions. Here’s what he had to say for himself …
AFE: Hi Luke, first off, who was your footballing hero growing up and why?
LS: Hi. I’d definitely go with Zinedine Zidane on this one.
He was by far the best midfielder in the world and his skill and passion for winning was unreal.
AFE: Who would you say is the best player you’ve played against? And played alongside?
LS: The best player I’ve played against would be Wayne Rooney (Everton), when I was around 14 years old and playing for Leeds. Even at that young age he had unreal talent and you could tell that he had a massive future ahead of him.
Best I’ve played with was Aaron Lennon at Leeds. He was head and shoulders above the rest of us as kids and playing week in week out with him was a pleasure.
.
AFE: What was it like playing over in Australia? Did you enjoy your time there?
LS: Australia was the best four years of my footballing career.
I was at clubs playing at a very high level and was playing up front so I very much enjoyed my time playing out there.
It wasn’t just the football side of things either, but the lifestyle was amazing. I also had my first child Emilia over there so it holds a special spot for me.
AFE: What’s been the most memorable moment of your career for you?
LS: The highlight was scoring in the grand final at AAMI Park in Australia in front of tens of thousands of fans and becoming the first team in Australia to do the treble with Dangdedong.
A very close second would be captaining my home town club and of course I can’t forget representing my country at u23 level.
AFE: Best manager you’ve played under?
LS: Best manager that I’ve played under in Wales is by far Brian Coyne (at Aberystwyth).
You’d want to do anything to get the 3 points for that guy.
AFE: What made you want to leave Aberystwyth for Caersws?
LS: There was a few reasons I left Aberystwyth.
It had nothing to do with wanting to go, it was just the right time with new management coming in and with the club changing chairman I felt that it was the perfect time for me to leave.
I’m still very much an Aberystwyth Town supporter and I will be at as many games as possible.
I had quite a few offers from other teams in the league and they called me up but I didn’t want to be playing on the 3G anymore so turned them down. I also had an offer from an Irish prem team, as well as a few in Australia but turned them down as my kids are in Aberystwyth so would never go anywhere with out them.
AFE:Why did you choose Caersws over Porthmadog who were also interested in you?
LS: I chose Caersws as they suited me best. I’ve known the manager, Graham Evans for a long time and the club itself is only 40 minutess from my house.
I was very tempted by Porthmadog, as everything they are doing at that club is spot on and it’s such a good quality and well run club. The manager, Craig Papirnyk, is a top man but unfortunately I had to weigh up what was best for me.
AFE: Finally, any advice for the young footballers out there?
LS: I’d say just keep working hard as talent will only take you so far.
Without the hard work and dedication you will never reach the full potential that you could achieve. Most of all though, I’d say enjoy and love what you do.
Cheers for chatting to AFEFootballNews Luke and all the best on your new adventure with Caersws FC!
AFEFootballNews 