Shown the door by West Bromwich Albion as a 15-year-old and forced into a number of routine jobs in order to make ends meet, Tyrone Barnett refused to rule out a career as a full-time footballer.
Town’s new loan signing from Peterborough played — and scored regularly — for Rushall Olympic, Telford United, Willenhall Town and Hednesford Town before he received the call that he had been waiting years to receive.
Stevenage-born Barnett said: "I didn’t really give up on the idea of playing full-time in the Football League, even when I heard people talking, saying I was getting too old and expressing doubts about me being able to make it as a full-time professional.
"When the call came from Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson I was over the moon. I was surprised, although I knew they had been watching me from the season before but it would have cost them a fee to sign me then.
"Under the Bosman rule, when I turned 24 and was out of contract it made things a lot smoother. I’ve always had faith in my ability and I think that’s why I have progressed this far. When you are at a club where the gaffer believes in you it helps a lot as well.”
Barnett joined Macclesfield in May 2010 and 12 months later, after 13 goals in 51 appearances, he was sold to Crawley Town. One year on, following a successful loan spell, Peterborough spent a record £1.2 million to take him to London Road.
He added: "After I left West Brom I had a number of jobs. I worked in a call centre, I was a postman and I had a spell as a security guard. Just jobs to help me pay the bills, really.
"Being where I am now it makes me determined that I will never go back to jobs like that. I’ve always had the hunger that makes me want to strive to better myself.
"I understand people who have 9-5 jobs. They are our fans and they want value for money when they buy their tickets. I want to enjoy playing football but I will never take it for granted. I really value it, unbelievably so.
"I was a long time in non-league football. Football has always been my passion and to be making a living from it is just great. It was great to be a professional in League Two and I’ve progressed since then.
"If you’d told me three years ago that I’d be playing in the Championship I probably would have laughed at the very idea. But it’s reality and I want to enjoy the moment as much as I can.
"I’m very excited at the prospect of playing again. I just want to do my best and show Town fans what I can do.”