Brad Dolaghan’s journey to full-time football has been anything but ordinary. The 19-year-old centre-forward went on trial at clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion, Ipswich Town, and Blackpool before earning a place at West Ham’s prestigious Academy of Football after impressing in non-league football.
Dolaghan’s story is one of perseverance and refusing to give up on his dream. Last season, he made his mark in senior football, which ultimately caught West Ham’s eye. Loaned out to Littlehampton Town in step four, his goalscoring form earned him a recall to parent club Worthing for the second half of the season as they pushed for promotion to the Vanarama National League. Despite falling just short, Brad netted seven goals in seven starts, helping Worthing secure a play-off spot in the National League South.
“The rejections were tough,” Brad reflected. “I’ve had plenty of lows, but I’m fortunate to have an amazing family, friends, and support network that helped me through. Blackpool was especially hard, being on my own during the trial. But it was all character-building. I learned so much about myself during that time. Those experiences – the opportunities and the challenges – prepared me well for when I joined West Ham.
“Men’s football is so competitive. Players are fighting for their livelihoods every game. As a young player, they expect a lot from you, and you’ve got to deliver. Youth football is much more technical, but in men’s football, you barely get time on the ball before getting smashed!”
With West Ham’s development squad flying high in Premier League 2, competition for places has been intense. But in his first start in Claret and Blue, Dolaghan made an immediate impact. Leading the line against SL Benfica B in the Premier League International Cup, he scored a late equaliser, helping West Ham salvage a point after being two goals down at halftime. He then added another two goals to his tally the following week with a brace in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Club B, having come on as a substitute when the young Hammers were 2-0 down.
He smiled: “To score on my full debut was amazing. I didn’t get many chances in the game, so when the ball hit the back of the net, I was buzzing. Playing against a team like Benfica was surreal, especially considering the opposition I was up against just a few months ago!
“When you’re not starting, it’s all about staying hungry and taking the opportunities when they come. Going out there and kicking a ball is what I love doing, and hitting the back of the net is something I love doing even more! I thought I did well when I came on, took my chances, and maybe could’ve had a couple more!”
Two months ago, Dolaghan signed his first professional contract at Rush Green – a proud and emotional moment after years of hard work on the training pitch and overcoming numerous setbacks.
“It’s easy to say now, but by no means have I ‘made it.’ I still have so much hard work ahead of me. Getting to this point is so tough, especially in non-league, where setbacks are constant. But football can change fast, and you have to be ready when your opportunity comes.
“It’s easy to get discouraged and stop working hard, but you have to push through that. Even when it’s not going your way, you have to keep grinding. It’s cliché, but practice really does make perfect. After sessions, I’ve spent countless hours working on my finishing – that’s what’s made the difference.”
Any Questions
Do you have a signature celebration?
My celebration is pointing to my hand. One of my favourite players does it so I did it once and it just stuck. The reason for me is the five people in my life, I point to them to appreciate what they’ve done to get me to this point. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
Do you have a secret talent?
Since the age of 14 I’ve been working for my Dad who owns a phone repair shop. I am unbelievable at fitting tempered glass on a phone screen!
Best ground you've played at?
The best ground I’ve played at is Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. But the best experience at a ground was Yeovil away last year for Worthing. There was around 6,000 people and the crowd were on my back because they thought I was diving and buying fouls. I then scored and 'shushed' the home fans. Had they won that game, they would’ve secured promotion, too.
Biggest football pet peeve?
The Yeovil fans would find this one funny but diving! I got booked against Benfica for a supposed challenge. I never touched him and he was screaming in pain!
Go to meal before a big game?
At Worthing, I would always go for a slice of toast and three scrambled eggs.
What player did you look up to growing up?
Gareth Bale. He made me fall in love with football. The things he used to do on the ball and the way he carried Tottenham to Champions League football.
If you weren't playing football, what career would you see yourself in?
I always really liked sea creatures, so maybe marine biologist? Football related on the other hand, I would see myself as a commentator. As a kid in the garden, pretending to be a player and commentating on the goals!
Most random thing that has happened in a football game?
For Littlehampton on Boxing Day, I was coming out of the dressing room and the floodlight was on fire. The ground was full of smoke and we had the game suspended for thirty minutes while they tried to fix it. The linesman on that side was coughing his guts up. I hope he’s ok!
