Player Profile – Jake Day

Goals, goals, goals is one way to describe the player taking part in this week’s Player Profile.

Scarborough Athletic striker Jake Day is an absolute goal machine and one of the best Non League forwards in the region.

He’s had quite a career for someone who entered Non League Football at a relatively late age.

Name 

Jake Day 

Age 

I’m 29 years young 

Current Club 

Scarborough Athletic 

Previous Clubs 

I started at Scarborough Athletic where I scored one goal and then I went to Bridlington Town and scored 85 goals in 102 games. 

Then I moved to Tadcaster Albion where I scored 16 goals in 24 games. 

I took the leap to the National League North to Alfreton and scored five goals in 12 games before covid cut the season short. I then moved to Guiseley at the start of the season where I didn’t play at all and now I’m back at Scarborough Athletic! 

Position 

Striker 

Day Job 

I’m a Groundworker for my day job. 

Best Mate in Football 

I’d have to say my best mates in football are Rikki Paylor and James Faulkner. 

Team You Support 

I’m a Manchester United fan. It started so well for me being born in 1992 but it’s not been the best seven or eight years since Sir Alex retired. 

Football Idol

My footballing idol would probably be Ronaldo (R9) what a player. Always had a soft spot for Alan Shearer too.

Biggest influence on football career 

The biggest influence on my football career would have to be the mrs. She was the one to push me and make me have a go at a higher level. 

Career Highlight 

The highlight of my career would be scoring my first goal in the National League North for Alfreton against Farsley Celtic when I got told a lot that I wouldn’t be able to hack it at that level. Anything to prove the doubters wrong! 

Most Memorable Game

My most memorable game would be for Bridlington Town at home to Hall Road Rangers. We went 1-0 down after 10 minutes and I scored a four minute hat trick before half time and and got another goal at the end or when I came on as a sub in the 56th minute against Harrogate Railway at 1-0 down, I scored 4, got an assist and got subbed off in the last minute, a decent little cameo role! 

Lowest moment in football

The lowest moment in my career was probably when I got my first injury, I got told I’d be out for six weeks and I just remember being devastated! I’m extremely lucky that I’ve never had a serious injury…. Touch wood!!

Biggest regret in football 

My biggest regret in football is not pushing myself to go to a higher level when I was younger. I didn’t join Scarborough until I was 24 so I was very late to the party. I just used to play with my mates before then at pub level. 

Funniest moment in football 

My funniest moment in football would be sharing a changing room with Danny Buttle. He’s the strangest bloke around but he’s hilarious! Never a dull moment with him around. 

First semi-professional manager 

Steve Kittrick at my first stint in Scarborough. He was very well known in the Non League scene and I didn’t know what to expect but he was very welcoming and made me feel part of the team! 

Non League Debut 

My proper Non League debut was for Bridlington Town as all my appearances for Scarborough were as a substitute. I told all my mates i was starting so they all came to watch, I scored at hat trick in front of all my mates and it was amazing! Couldn’t of dreamt for a better debut. 

First Red Card in Non League

I’ve never had a red card. Not quite sure how with the elbows I throw about.

First and Best Non League Goal 

My first goal was against Spennymoor in a cup game, Benny Igiehon headed the ball down and I shrugged the defender off and scored with the outside of foot. 

My best goal was for for Bridlington Town against Clipstone. I scored from just inside my own half.

What do you want to achieve in football in the future? 

I want to play as high as I can for as long as I can and just keep enjoying my football. 

Favourite Non League Ground

My favourite Non League ground is the Flamingo Land Stadium. Absolutely love home games, the fans are brilliant! My favourite away ground I’ve played at would be Telford or Chester.

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Take a look at our previous Player Profiles HERE