What We Can Learn from Successful Professional Footballers
After watching Cheltenham Town’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Walsall—where they scored two goals deep into stoppage time—I started thinking about what it really takes to succeed as a professional footballer in League One and League Two.
Technical ability is important, but that alone isn’t enough. The lower leagues demand more—traits that separate those who survive from those who fade away. Cheltenham’s determination in that game was a perfect example of why certain players thrive at this level.
Here are two key attributes that can make all the difference.
Max Effort, Max Reward
One of the biggest factors in lower-league football is work rate. The schedule is relentless, with players often playing twice a week. Unlike Premier League stars, they don’t have access to state-of-the-art recovery facilities or world-class sports science teams to help them bounce back. But the expectation remains the same—give 100% every time you step onto the pitch.
For clubs like Cheltenham, fans are the lifeblood of the team. They spend their hard-earned money to watch and support their local club, contributing directly to players’ wages. If a player gives their all—chasing every ball, pressing non-stop, fighting until the final whistle—fans will appreciate it.
At this level, attitude is everything. Determination and resilience can take you just as far as talent.
Adapt to Survive
League One and Two football is a world away from academy setups, where players are often taught a specific way of playing. In the lower leagues, if you’re too rigid in your approach, you could find yourself struggling.
Managers change, formations shift, and different tactical demands come into play. The more adaptable you are, the more valuable you become.
Take Cheltenham as an example. Over the years, I’ve seen players thrive by adjusting to new roles. One season, the team switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2. One central midfielder dropped into a centre-back role and eventually became club captain, leading the team to promotion. Another midfielder transitioned to right wing-back and earned a move to a higher division.
On the other hand, I’ve also seen players resist change—strikers unwilling to play on the wing, attacking midfielders reluctant to take on a deeper role. More often than not, those players end up moving on, struggling to find stability.
Of course, every player has their preferred position, but if you want to build a long career in the lower leagues, you need to be adaptable. Do what the manager asks, embrace new challenges, and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Talent gets you noticed, but attitude, effort, and adaptability keep you in the game. Whether you’re fighting for survival or pushing for promotion, these qualities make all the difference.
If you’re willing to work hard and embrace change, you’ll have a much better chance of making it in professional football—just like the players who fought until the final whistle in Cheltenham’s incredible comeback.
The things we learned 