Centre-back Craig Dawson discusses the ups and downs of his early days as a young footballer when he was trying to make his way into the game.

Who was your role model when you were growing up?

Being from the north of Manchester, the Class of 92 were always a team I supported and would watch and wanted to be, although I wouldn’t say I based my game on them. When you’re young, you watch them and try and learn from all of them, pick up little pieces from each of them, not just the defenders.

Did you have a mentor who helped guide you?

I’ve got an older brother, so I was always playing with him and looked up to him and the way he played. He was four years older and played semi-pro, so to be at his level and play with him I always had to try to be better than my age group.

What setbacks did you have to overcome?

I made it through a different way because I didn’t go through the academies or centre of excellences, I was playing football with my friends and ended up playing non-league football. I had setbacks in the way I was turned away from a couple of places, but I stuck with it, enjoyed my football, and found a different path. I was lucky enough that Rochdale took a chance on me, and my career went from there.

What was your biggest success as a young player?

It has to be signing with Rochdale. I was playing non-league with Radcliffe Borough, who are my hometown club, but Rochdale spotted me, asked me to go down and train with them for a bit and, fortunately, they decided to sign me. It was amazing, really.

Do you have any moments you still remember from that time?

My favourite memories of being a young player were all about signing for Rochdale and making my debut for them against Port Vale. It was a really proud day. It was weird because I wasn’t due to play, but we played Radcliffe in a friendly and the central defender did his collar bone in that game, so I ended up playing – so it’s strange how things work out. Playing for Radcliffe was good, but it wasn’t until I signed for Rochdale that I kicked on and really thought I could have a career in football.

What have you learned most between then and now?

You grow up, you learn a lot from all of the different experiences, both good and bad. I’m a totally different person from the day I started. But looking back those were the best memories and you have to make those mistakes to learn from them. In football, you definitely make them, and it’s important to stay focused and enjoy every moment you can.

This article originally featured in Wolves’ official 2023/24 matchday programme. Last season’s programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.