Tristan Plummer is a 21-year-old striker who started his professional career with Bristol City in 2007. While he was a trainee with City he was linked with a move to Premiership giants Arsenal but the move did not happen.
Instead Plummer had loan spells with Luton, Toruay Hereford and Gillingham whilst representing England at Under 16's, 17's and 18's level.
Plummer took a year away from professional football after his loan spell with Gillingham, and returned to action this season for Portuguese side Portimonense. Sportsvibe caught up with Plummer to talk about being linked with Arsenal, playing abroad and missing the British weather.
Q. You began your career with Bristol City and had loan spells at Luton, Torquay and Gillingham. How hard was it for a young player like yourself to get into the first-team at those clubs?
It was hard at the time because Bristol City had just been promoted to the Championship and we had a very strong squad at the time. In our first season in the Championship, we got to the play-off final so it was quite hard breaking through [into the side] at the time.
It was good to go out on loan and gain some first-team experience and I would advise young players, if they’re not making it back at their parent clubs, to go out on loan at get games under their belt. The more games you get at a young age, the better.
Q. Early in your career you were linked with a move to Arsenal, was there any truth in those stories?
There was some interest in me from Everton and Arsenal. The clubs did call me and I spoke to a few people but I thought, at the time, that the best option for me would to be to stay at Bristol City. I felt I was going to break into the first-team, so I didn’t really take much interest in the offers from the bigger clubs. I felt I was going to make my name with Bristol and that, when a bigger offer came in for me later in my career, I would take that. Unluckily, it never turned out that way but that is just one of those things.
Q. You’re only 21 and have represented England up to Under 18s level. Do you feel you have a future playing for England in the future?
If I didn’t believe I could have a chance of playing for England either in the Under 21s or the senior team in the future, there would be no point playing football. Hopefully, if I do well this season, my aim is to get a move back to England with a bigger team or a bigger club abroad. Then it would be great if someone like Stuart Pearce watched me because it would be great to get a call up. Playing for your national team is the best thing that can ever happen to you.
When I knew I was going to be moving to Portugal, I spoke to a few people from the PFA. The FA keep a look out for the English players that are playing abroad to see how they are getting on, so it doesn’t matter if your playing abroad or in England because, if you are playing well enough, you’ll get a call up.
Q. After your loan spell with Gillingham, you took a season away from professional football. What was the reason for this?
After I left Bristol City I had a couple of clubs interested from League One and League Two, but I decided to take time out for personal reasons because I have a son. I felt ready to come back into football this season.
Q. At the start of this season you joined Portuguese second division side Portimonense. How did the move come about?
The move came about through my agent really. He knew a couple of people out in Portugal and I got invited out to have a trail and the club liked me and signed me at the end of the week on a two-year contract. It’s been a good experience and I’m really enjoying myself.
Q. A number of high profile British players have played abroad including Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker. This season Joe Cole moved to Lille, too. Did any of those players influence your decision to move abroad?
Yeah definitely, especially Joe Cole. I grew up watching him – he is a great player to watch and learn from because he’s very skilful. I saw that he had moved to Lille in France and that made me think I should have a crack at it. I’m still young and it’s a great opportunity to see more of the world. Now, I feel I have grabbed this chance with both hands and am making the most of it.
Q. How have you found it settling into a new country?
I’ve got my apartment out here and my girlfriend and son have come over with me. We’ve settled in well and getting use to life abroad. The people over here in the Algarve are very polite.
I talk to a lot of people back home in England and they are all moaning, saying it’s been raining a lot. Out here we’ve got sunshine, though. so it’s not too bad at all.
Q. The Algarve is known for its great golf courses. Have you been out for a couple of rounds?
No, my golf skills aren’t too good, to be honest. A couple of the players have taken me out and I’ve been on the range a few times but that’s about it.
Q. Do the players and coaches speak English or do you speak Portuguese out on the pitch and in the changing rooms?
I have picked up a few Portuguese words and I understand certain words as well. All the players speak English as well, though, and if someone doesn’t speak English there is always someone there to translate. They’re very friendly and are a good set of lads.
Q. How does the atmosphere in Portugal compare to over in England?
The Portuguese fans are very passionate about their football, very much like back home in England. We get great support for our games, both at home and away, which is always nice, no matter where you’re playing.
There were a couple of League One and Two teams that were interested in me after my break from the game but my agent thought it would be a lot better for me to move abroad and make my name over here before moving back to England.
Q. We’ve spoken to Matthew Robert Jones who plays in goal for FC Uniao, who play in the same league as you. When you play each other, will there be any banter between the pair of you?
Yeah, for sure. I talk to anyone who comes over from England. During the game, I’ll have a bit of banter with him. Seeing as though I’m a striker and he’s a goalkeeper I’m sure we’ll see a fair bit of each other.
Q. Are there any things you miss from England?
I miss things like shopping for clothes and the food. I really crave simple things like fish and chips sometimes and, over here, you can’t just pop down to the local chippy.
I love the sun out here, but at times I do miss the cold weather and the snow back home in England. That’s what makes England so special.
Q. Would you recommend playing abroad to other young British players?
Yeah, definitely. Obviously, it’s just a good experience to have while you’re young and, if they’re not getting regular first-team football at clubs back in England, they should go for it. Getting away from your home surroundings is good and it makes you ‘man up’. You can then go back to England having experienced another culture.
You can follow Tristan on Twitter @TristanDPlummer
Follow Joshua Modaberi on Twitter
