Morrison on Wright inspiration, almost ditching football and living his dream

Club

8 Oct 2024

For Clinton Morrison, success at Crystal Palace and in professional football was made possible thanks to an unstoppable combination: a role model, self-belief and the constant encouragement of his mother.

Speaking to Sky Sports as part of their Black History Month ‘Moments That Make Us’ campaign, Morrison remembers being let go from Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster and very nearly calling time on his dream.

“I was at Tottenham from 14 to 16,” he remembers. “I got released at 16 when it was Youth Training Scheme and I just made a decision then. I just probably wanted to give up football.

“I was heartbroken. I thought I'd made it. I thought I'd done enough, maybe took my foot off the pedal and then that was it. They released me and I didn't think it was the right decision.

“At 16, I just said I'm going to give it up, and my mum was like: ‘Absolutely no chance are you giving up football’. [She] called Crystal Palace, [I] had a trial, scored a hat-trick and the rest is history.

“So never give up on your dream – but that's why I have to say a big thank you to my mum because she helped me when I was ready to give up.”

Morrison’s own self-belief came from watching a young centre-forward excelling in red and blue, a player whom he wished to emulate one day.

Quote Icons

I have to say a big thank you to my mum because she helped me when I was ready to give up.
—Clinton Morrison

“Ian Wright [was my inspiration], because [he] grew up in South London, like I grew up in South London and his journey was very similar to my journey,” Morrison says.

“Now going into the media world, it's the same kind of journey. And I used to like the way he used to play his football, the way he scored his goals, the celebrations on the pitch and he always had a smile on his face and that's how I was.

“I think if you can see a certain individual acting how you act, I think it gives you a chance that maybe you can be successful. People when they come onto TV or they're doing anything, you have to act yourself.

“I don't think anyone wants anyone to be different. They always want you to be yourself and that's what I try to do. I try to be myself now when I'm on the TV, on media, just trying to have a smile on my face, make good opinions, make people laugh and just be myself and I will never change because that's who I am inside.”

From dejection at his release from Spurs to elation on scoring on his Palace debut, to doing what he loves week in, week out, Morrison has some simple advice for other black youngsters looking to make their way in the game.

“[I was] totally and utterly devastated,” he says. “Just keep believing in yourself and work hard. I always say that.

“I've always been told that as a youngster, work hard, believe in yourself. Look at other black superstars that have done well in the game and try to achieve their goal, which they've done as well, and your own goal.

“Listen, it's hard work. There are lots of sacrifices but you have to work hard in anything, not [just] in sport, in any life to be successful and if you're going to work hard, there's a lot of challenges.

“There's a lot of obstacles and hurdles to overcome but work hard and you believe in it. As I say, enjoy it and play with a smile on your face because it's the best thing to do to be a sportsman. Just play with a smile on your face and work ever so hard and you will achieve your dreams, whatever happens.

“Everyone will tell you that you can't do stuff. I had loads of teachers at school telling me I couldn't achieve my dream but I proved them all wrong. So go and prove everyone wrong.”

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