Ryan-Zico Black proudly shows off his story. (0596194)

LOCAL lad Ryan Zico-Black has written an autobiography which takes us through the trials and tribulations of a footballer trying to make the grade.

It is a motivating, moving and honest chronicle of someone driven by a real love of football and a stubborn Guernsey determination to succeed.

I lost track of all the clubs with which Ryan was associated but it reads like an A-Z of the football pyramid.

By my reckoning his journey includes Southampton, Bournemouth, Northwich Victoria, Plymouth, Reading, Exeter, Preston, Squire’s Gate, Northern Ireland under-18s and under-21s, Morecambe (three times), Barrow, Glenavon, Lancaster and Kettering.

His story should serve as an inspiration to all our young people who leave these shores to pursue further study or a chosen career. It shows that it’s not easy and parents will recognise the phone calls home when things aren’t going well.