(this article was first published in Saturday's Barnsley match programme)

WHEN young lads want to know just what it takes to become a professional football, they could do a lot worse than check out the story of Marvin Sordell.

Harrow-born and bred, this is one of those original 'local lad does good' tales.

But his departure last week to Bolton Wanderers from Watford would have seemed a million miles away for the striker when he was released by Fulham at the age of 14.

"It just shows you can do it - you can't ever give up," he reflected.

"I'm not the most confident person naturally, but I always believed I had the ability. And it does help when you've got great friends and family around you that are believing in you as well."

Offered a chance with the Hornets' Academy after being spotted at one of the regular summer exit trials for unwanted young talent, Sordell hasn't looked back.

"Watford is a real family club. People say it about the club but it's one thing to have the reputation and another thing to act like it.

"The difference here is people really care about you as a person - as well as a footballer. I noticed that straight away, because I think they realize that, as well as they do getting lads through from the youth to the first-team, there's plenty that don't make it. This club seems to feel responsible for everyone, not just looking after what they want.

"As soon as I started playing for the Under-16s and Under-18s, before I was anywhere near the first-team, I had a good vibe about the place and I thought it was somewhere I could do well.

"All the club, not just the playing squad, is like a big family and I've always been made to feel part of that. I've made some great friends for life here and I hope the club do really well in the future."

It's the kind of message that Hornets' fans, like it or not, have had to sign up to. Enjoy seeing great local talent being produced, but also expect to see it leave if it impresses sufficiently.

"I don't see what the problem is with that way of carrying on," mused Sordell.

August 2009 - Marvin's Watford first-team debut

"You can tell from the reaction of the fans that this is a club where they love to see their own players coming through - home-grown lads.

"It's like one of their own out there playing on the pitch and I always had that feeling. Playing for my local team with the fans right behind you, there can't be a better way to get into being a pro than that."

This is the lad, of course, who those outside Watford - and a few inside, if you're honest - knew much about at all before bursting onto the scene live on Sky at Norwich City to kick off last season.

Sure, Sordell had already debuted in August 2009 and scored a Carling Cup goal at Leeds and a league goal at Coventry City to book-end a decent development year, but no one really knew what he had to offer.

"Norwich does seem a long, long time ago now," he smiled. "But it's only 18 months in reality. It kind of put my name out there, I suppose, although it hasn't all come down to playing on the TV once.
"I feel like I've come a long way, thanks to all the staff here at the club.

"I actually phoned Sean (Dyche) first thing the day after it all went through to thank him. He's played a huge part in my career and has always showed faith in me.

"There's been a few words of criticism, too, but everyone needs a bit of that in their life now and then.

"I can't thank him enough for the part he played in what I hope will be a really successful career."

Unlike some departures in recent years, this one has perhaps come a little earlier down the development path than others. Did the man himself feel it was a bit sooner than expected?

"Well I wasn't expecting it, if that's what you mean?

January 2012 - Marvin's final Watford appearance, v Spurs

"But when a Premier League team comes calling, then you can't really turn that down. If I'd have stayed, who's to say what would have happened to me in those six months.

"I've seen the downs as well as the ups in football already - so for me, once that chance came along I felt I needed to give it a go and see if I could rise to the challenge."

Clearly Bolton boss Owen Coyle doesn't think it's too soon for Sordell, but there was a little uncertainty as to the striker's likely next step on Tuesday evening.

"To be honest, I got a bit confused with it all. I'd been hearing things all month that may and may not have happened - but you don't really know until it's for real.

"I think I'm nervous and excited now. People having talked about me makes me feel more confident and, like I said, I've got great family around me for support.

"I have that self-belief to succeed so I hope I can. I know nothing will come easy but I have a chance to show what I can do now.

"I'm not thinking about the size of the step up I want to shine and be the best I can be - that won't change just because I've moved from Watford to Bolton."

So he's on his way…but with some magic moments locked in the memory banks.

"My first goal, at Leeds in the Carling Cup, is a memory that's not going to leave me. And I think the game at Norwich, just for how it went and the fact I feel it's played a big part in getting me where I am now.

"But most of all the fans here, because without their backing I might just have drifted out of the side. So thank you to everyone that got behind me at Watford.

"I'm very pleased to get my chance but I'm keeping a lot of good memories with me as I go."

He says he's going to keep the Usain Bolt celebration going. Doubtless Hornets' fans will be watching - willing him to do well.

Good luck Marvin.

Interview by Richard Walker