BURTON SHERRIFF SHOOTS FOR THE BIG TIME
SHANE Cansdell-Sherriff explored uncharted territory as a teenager and, as he approaches his mid-30s, the Burton Albion defender would not mind another adventure.
Cansdell-Sherriff is a veteran of the Football League, from his November 2002 debut for Rochdale to this season’s exploits with the Brewers.
It all began, however, with an appearance at the 1999 Under-17 FIFA World Cup, where the defender helped his native Australia to the final – only to lose to Brazil on penalties.
“I saw that game again recently,” said Cansdell-Sherriff. “Someone linked me to it on YouTube, so I clicked on it and watched the first half. Good memories.”
More than 16 years later, Cansdell-Sherriff is hoping to break new ground again by helping League One leaders Burton secure back-to-back promotions and join the second tier.
“I have never played Championship football,” said the 33-year-old.“I had sort of given up looking at that a long time ago. When you are young, it’s good to have your dreams and goals, but now you focus on doing the most you can for your team. We’ll see what happens.
“Teams are looking up at us and trying to cling on, so any little setback can be massive. We have to make sure we are on the ball every week.
“We have to put everything in and sacrifice any outside distractions for the next two months.”
The journey has not been easy for the Brewers since Cansdell-Sherriff signed a permanent deal in the summer of 2014, with Birmingham City poaching manager Gary Rowett that year and QPR pinching his successor, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, in December.
But they have shown no signs of slowing down, with Nigel Clough returning for a second spell in charge and ensuring the promotion charge keeps pace.