Three years ago, a young lad arrived at The Oval to watch my Bedworth United side in an MJPL fixture. After the game, his dad came straight over, full of praise for how we played, and said something I’ll never forget: “I want my son to play for you.”
That young lad was Ethan.
Ethan joined my squad that very week as an extra player, initially as a striker. While he was eager to score goals, through working closely with him over time, I identified something even more important — Ethan possessed the physicality, intelligence, composure, and work ethic that made him far better suited to a holding midfield role.
This positional change proved to be a huge turning point in his journey.
By transitioning Ethan into midfield, we were able to unlock qualities in his game that elevated him to another level. His ability to read the game, break up play, lead physically, and bring consistency to the team became standout features. Ethan embraced the challenge fully, developed rapidly, and truly excelled in his new role — a move that played a massive part in opening future opportunities for him.
From day one, despite having no organised football background, Ethan’s attitude, hunger, and dedication to improving were exceptional. He trusted the process, committed himself fully to Bedworth United, and also continued his development through the Lee Hurst Development School, where I’ve consistently worked with him as a coach.
This clear, structured pathway gave Ethan both stability and belief in his football journey.
Season after season, Ethan’s development continued, but last year was where everything truly came together. Alongside his physical strengths, he added technical quality, composure, and the elite-level consistency scouts actively look for.
Playing a year up, Ethan became one of the top performers week in, week out. His consistency in the holding midfield role made him stand out even further, and that was when I made the call to Leicester City Academy.
Ethan spent nearly 8 months with Leicester, gaining invaluable experience, before Coventry City were introduced to him. After watching Ethan in just one game, Coventry immediately recognised his quality and offered to sign him.
Seeing Ethan continue to develop with Coventry City this season has been an incredibly proud moment for me — not just as his coach, but as the person who identified his potential early, helped shape his pathway, and consistently supported his journey.
Watching him recently in a cup semi-final, alongside some of his former Bedworth teammates, was another reminder of exactly why he earned these opportunities.
Ethan, everyone at Bedworth United is immensely proud of you. Your journey is a testament to hard work, trust, adaptability, and commitment.
Keep pushing. Keep learning. Keep being you.
Written by Aaron Eales the U18s Youth Manager
