Ex-Coventry City footballer becomes professional poet

Mar 29 2009 by Rebekah Oruye, Sunday Mercury

A series of trials with lower league teams proved fruitless for the former Kingsbury Sports College pupil.

But then came the revelation that led to an amazing change of career. As a regular church-goer, Liam had planned to get baptised and needed to pen a testimony for the ceremony at the Church of God of Prophecy in Nechells.

“I was told some people sing or read poems. I decided I would write my own poem – and it came to me all of a sudden,’’ he said. “I’m inspired by everyday life and like to encourage people through my poetry.”

The encouraging response from fellow church members, including ex-Birmingham city player Ricky Otto, gave Liam the boost he needed to start writing a collection of poetry.

He said: ‘‘A lot of my friends and former team mates think it’s a bit strange I write poems now, but they are all very supportive.

‘‘A couple of the boys I played with, Matthew West and Chris Hollis, even bought copies of my Mother’s Day poem for their moms.”

The lifelong Aston Villa fan has not given up on football forever and said his favourite club would be the “ultimate team to play for.”

He still plays for Stratford Town but now he is focused on his fledgling poetry business.

To read Liam’s poems visit website www.poems4u.vpweb.co.uk