It’s fair to say that the path from Venezuela to Telford, via Panama, is not a well-trodden one.
Play-off winner, Oliver Cawthorne, has made that journey. The commanding young central defender is the son of an English journalist, born in Venezuela where he spent his formative years before moving to play for Alianza FC, who are based in Panama City.
Moving into the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central with AFC Telford United in March, his assured displays in the heart of the back-line have helped the Bucks go on to secure promotion via the play-offs following Monday’s come-from-behind 4-2 victory at Kettering Town.
“I’m lost for words,” he said as we asked him to describe his emotions. “It’s a good job we weren’t doing this interview straight after the game because I could barely speak!
“I’m extremely proud and grateful to have been part of this amazing team. The lads in the squad are not just fantastic players, but amazing human beings. They fully deserve this, as do the staff who have been so supportive and hard-working.
“I know I arrived late, but I knew from the moment I walked through the door that the goal was clear – promotion. To be able to achieve that is the best feeling in the world and so special.
“During the final itself, emotions were very up and down. We fell behind and conceded another but we kept repeating to ourselves; ‘we’re still in it’. I don’t think that at any point anyone lost their faith on our team, we just kept going.
“I just loved the spirit that we all showed and when Piggo made it 2-2, I knew at that moment that we were going to go on and win it. There was no doubt in my mind at that stage; I was very pumped up and going into the game I knew that I had to win every duel.
“There was such a release of pure emotion at the final whistle and we headed straight to our passionate fans who were with us all of the way to celebrate and enjoy the moment with them.”
So, how has the 23 year-old found the transition into the English game compared to what he has been used to?
“The main difference over here is the physicality,” he said. “The way in which I have to go in for 50/50s is probably a bit more aggressive as we get away with it a bit more.
“I think it’s been a smooth adaptation for me; the manager and his coaching staff always give me tips for improvement, which has really helped me over the time that I have been here.
“I think that my performances have been good; I’d best describe them as solid, but that obviously comes from having the help and support of such a strong group of players around me.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, it’s the most I have enjoyed my football. The standard in the Premier Central is very high; every single team in this League can give you a tough game and to get three points is always a battle.
“I moved back to the UK from Panama in February and my dad helped me contact a few clubs. Thankfully AFC Telford replied as they were looking for a centre back at the time and it all happened very quickly.
“I spoke to the Gaffer and he invited me to train with the team and straight away I knew that this was the place for me.
“My career path certainly hasn’t been a conventional one. Football is still growing where I came from, not just Leagues but culturally too. It’s very intense with lots of turnover in possession. There’s a mix of defensive and direct teams and those who like to play a bit too.
“It was good experience for me, firstly in Venezuela and then most recently Panama where the fans are fun and there’s always a lot of music in the stadium with bands and drums. Attendances are not great, though, especially compared to England where we live for football and the passion is just on a different level.
“Hopefully I have done enough to continue with AFC Telford United and be able to test myself at Step 2 and help the club establish itself in The National League North. It’s an experience that I am excited about because this is the first time that I have ever been part of a promotion.
“Looking longer term, I want to have a long career in the game at the highest level possible and make more fantastic memories like the ones I’ve made recently. I feel that I have a lot more to give and a lot more to learn, but I say bring it on!”
IMAGE: Kieren Griffin Photography
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