John Doolan is the latest guest in our Bred a Blue podcast series as he explains how he overcame the heartache of leaving his beloved Everton to enjoy a long and successful professional career.
Doolan came through the ranks at Everton – a period he describes as "the best of my playing days" – but left before he made a First-Team appearance.
He came close when Howard Kendall was the manager and admits to being devastated when the Blues released him.
He was determined to stay in the game and shortly after walking out of Bellefield for the last time he signed for Mansfield Town, where Colin Harvey was coaching, in 1994.
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Doolan went on to have a fine professional career, playing more than 500 games for Mansfield, Barnet, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool and Rochdale.
His is a story of how the adversity of being released can be overcome by resolve, hard work and confidence in your own ability.
Doolan is back at Everton as part of the scouting staff, and he is the latest former Academy player to be featured in our popular Bred a Blue series.
Listen to Bred A Blue below or by clicking here. To catch up on other episodes of Bred A Blue, featuring names including James Vaughan, Nick Chadwick and Shane Duffy, click here.
