Exclusive Interview with one of Middlesbrough’s hottest prospect's: Ben Beals
- jacobraw123
- Nov 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7, 2024
Ben Beals in action (Photo owned by Middlesbrough FC)
Ben is a 19 year old, left footed central defender, who joined Middlesbrough at Under 9’s level, he progressed through the academy ranks and earned himself a professional contract in May last year.
He describes himself as a ball playing defender, who puts his heart on the line for the team and someone who loves keeping the ball out the net.
Ben, currently on loan at Northern Premier League outfit, Marske United, spoke about his Middlesbrough career so far and his hopes for the future.
Firstly, Ben gave insight into the moment every young lad dreams of, being offered a professional contract at your boyhood club.
He said: “It was a moment I’ll never forget, what started off as a hobby as a kid, turned into a dream of becoming a professional footballer… getting the contract was a dream come true.”
Ben initially joined Marske on a one month loan which has now been extended.
on the back of featuring in an important victory for The Seasiders this past weekend, Ben spoke about the importance of the move for his development and how the move came about.
“Graeme Lee (Former Middlesbrough Under-23’s coach) is the manager and I know him quite well from when he coached me at Boro, and Marske were looking for a centre half so I thought it would be a good move to gain some valuable experience in men’s football.”
Marske United Manager, Graeme Lee (Photo owned by Getty Images)
“It’s going really well I’m really enjoying it, I’m just going to keep pushing, try help the team pick up points and continue my development.”
Ben touched on the importance of Boro’s assistant head coach, Jonathan Woodgate, and how influential he has been for him and others in the club
“I’ve had a few conversations with Woodgate, he’s always asking me how my loans going and we talk about my games.”
“I think he’s very good at that, always coming down to see the younger lads to see how they’re developing, how they’re loans are getting on.
Ben admitted he has sustained injuries in his career which have halted his development, but being at Marske he hopes to stay fit, and be in with a chance of achieving his goals, with his contract expiring next year.
“The goal is to be in and around the first team, hopefully I stay fit and when my loan finishes I can play week in week out with the 21’s and get the new contract.”
Finally, Ben spoke about being on Football Manager and what it means to him, but more importantly what it means to his dad, who has played the game for 20 years.
“Yeah I’m aware I’m on it, I think I have been for three years now and it was a special moment for me.”
“However, it was a more special moment for my dad who has played it for 20 years, then obviously for him to see his son on it, it was a surreal moment.”
Full interview down below:
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