Put your left foot forward...

Garry Nelson did more than that; he jumped in, full heartedly to a career which saw him loved by fans of every club he played for.

Playing local football in Essex, he was overlooked by professional outfits and was about to head off to university until a certain Scottish manager called Smith, picked him up and signed him for Southend United.

A successful spell at his hometown club was followed by a move to the west country when David Smith, the same Smith from above, took the talented forward to Home Park.

A promotion followed, then several more with Brighton and Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic, before he hung up his boots back in Devon again, with Torquay United.

Not content with the joys of football, Nelse also became an award winning author, documenting his time playing later in his career.

This is the story of Garry Nelson.