I am sure many on here have played with / against many schoolboy, youth, amateur or even professional players over the years. Some may have even starred with or against international / ex international stars. Those not fortunate to have played at any level i'm sure still have views on players who have not lived up to their potential and lads who have been run of the mill but managed to progress further.

Its my belief that those players who have progressed through the game to the higher echelons are not neccessarily the most skilful or even the most talented (although these qualities undoubtedly help) but dedication and sheer hard work have got many there where others, especially teenagers, have discovered wine and women etc.

I can throw in quite a few names who at schoolboy level had more potential than most but who either gave up the sport, refused professional offers or simply didn't have the dedication to kick on and consequently played at a lower level to which they were capable....and one dirty barsteward who had a choice of a pro soccer career or the chance to sign for any R.L. team and chose the former.Signed for Man Utd ( banned eventually for nearly a season and told to read the rule book), Stoke City, emigrated to South Africa for a pro career and returned as player manager for Telford Utd. Name anyone ?

Other players who had bags of talent, representing county and / or country included Karulas, Fox, Freer (Alderman Cogan), Ottoway....as equally talented as his half back partner Mick Crane ( Lister), Edmonds (Boulevard) and a forward from Charterhouse whose name escapes me.

Keith Tindall (ex Hull) was a player who made it as a pro who at schoolboy level wasn't outstanding but made up with his dedication to training whilst another player in the same side Geoff Eade was absoloutley outstanding at this level but never kicked on after school.

I am sure other fans will all have their own memories of successes, wannabees and the no hopers.