Pinnock living dream after fairy tale rise
SIX years ago Ethan Pinnock was plying his trade for non-league minnows Dulwich Hamlet – now the Brentford defender is ready to announce himself in the biggest league in the world.
Pinnock will complete a fairy tale journey from part-time football to Premier League when he lines up against Arsenal on Friday. It is a remarkable rise up the ladder after he was released by Millwall at 15 and worked his way through the leagues with Forest Green Rovers and Barnsley after being spotted playing for Dulwich. Pinnock (left) 28, juggled his job as a football coach with studying for a degree in physical education during his time in the seventh tier at Champion Hill where he was converted from a speedy winger to centre-back. The Jamaica international said: “Growing up I think for most kids it’s their dream to play football in the Premier League, so now is really special, especially the route I took from non-league. It means that little bit more to me. “When I was at Dulwich I was working as a coach and studying for a degree as well, so I was kind of juggling the three but I think it gave me a really strong work ethic.” Thomas Frank’s Bees beat Southampton, Fulham, West Brom and Newcastle on their way to the Carabao Cup semi-final last season and Pinnock insists they won’t be content with just beating the drop. He added: “Taking the confidence from those games and from the play-offs and pre-season, there’s lots for us to be positive about. If you set the bar low you’re taking away from yourselves.
“We’ve got some really talented players here and when we play to our top level we’re a really good side.”
MANAGER: Thomas Frank (right).
BIG SIGNING: Frank Onyeka (£8.5m from FC Midtjylland).
KEY MAN: Ivan Toney.
VERDICT: Brentford have had to wait 74 years to return to the top tier so will be desperate to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.