ANY rising stars looking to make a career in the game would be wise to read Jamie Reed’s advice.

Reed, now with Cymru Premier outfit Cefn Druids, came through the Wrexham youth team to make a handful of appearances for the Reds in League Two.

But Reed was released when the Reds were relegated from the Football League in 2008.

Now 32, Reed reflects on his rise through the ranks at The Racecourse, saying: “It would be wrong of me to say my youth team days were a lot harder than they are today.

“I think the academy system nowadays is more ruthless than ever, however I think that young players now are wrapped up in cotton wool. On the other hand, I couldn’t even speak publicly about what went on in the Wrexham youth team dressing room. You either sank or swam and I feel you grew up a lot quicker.

“I made my debut at Wrexham at the age of 17 along with a few other youth team players. Personally at that point, I thought I’d made it. I was wrong!

“After making several appearances across League One and League Two and a few loan moves, Wrexham were relegated, I was out of contract with a broken ankle and it was all over.

“I was released, and put on the scrapheap like a lot of other young boys.”

But Reed battled back, impressing at Rhyl and Bangor City - winning the Welsh Premier League with both clubs - and catching the eye of York City, with whom he won promotion from the National League and lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley.

It was the experience of playing men’s football in the Welsh top-flight, as well as a spells in America and Australia, that Reed feels were crucial to his professional return - and his plans for the future.

He said: “I want to stress to youth team players out there the importance of playing men’s football, even if this means going out on loan to a lower club than you had hoped for.

“This wasn’t part of my plans but it gave me some very good offers in semi-professional football.

“One thing I realised is that just because you’re signed on at a club does not mean you play for them. You may represent the club but, until you are in the first team, you don’t play for them and should always be prepared for the worst.

“Which brings me to my second point - in life things may go well and you might flourish, but preparation and planning for that worst case scenario is key.

“In short, I dropped into the Welsh pyramid system with Rhyl and Bangor City, winning the league twice and the Welsh Cup. My football at that time was great albeit semi-professional. In between, I also had short spells in the USA and Australia which were both great.

“These types of experiences can help you decide where your life takes you next. For me, this was when I realised the importance of planning ahead. I started a personal training qualification, which I thought it would make a great career alongside football.

“There was always the chance that my football contract may not be renewed, or a loss of form, or even worse, a serious injury. Having a side business gave me some security while I followed my dream of being a footballer.

“At this point, after a great start to the season with Bangor, individually and as a team, I moved back to professional football with York for a five-figure fee.

“My previous loan spell at Wrexham and the fact that I had previously worked with Gary Mills, were important factors in the move. It led to a successful spell winning the FA Trophy and promotion to League Two at Wembley within the space of eight days.”

After a season in the Football League and a short spell at Cambridge United, it was time for Reed to move home and sign for Chester FC, which is where his planning came to the fore.

He said: “Things didn’t quite go to plan at Chester, myself and a couple of other players had some disagreements with the manager and I think that really affected the season as a whole.

“Fortunately throughout this time, I had my personal training business alongside that kept the regular income flowing.

“For me personal training was never going to be long term, I loved helping people but it wasn’t the most rewarding financially and like football, it had a shelf life, albeit 10-15 years longer.”