Amazing story of Tyrone Mings’ England debut, from living in a homeless shelter to working in a pub while playing non-league football
IT'S been a long way to the top for Tyrone Mings.
The 6ft 5in Aston Villa centre-back, who became a fans' favourite after helping the Villans gain promotion to the Premier League before securing a permanent move for £26.5m from Bournemouth, could make his England debut tonight against Bulgaria in Sofia.
"We lived with the guy in Chippenham and there was no other alternative. One day we just had to up and leave, and that was the only place we could go.
“I remember it vividly, it was horrendous – communal washing area, communal showers, it was awful. The people who were in there weren’t always the nicest.
"We were in there for a long time, six months to a year, and when you are in primary school that wasn’t a nice experience."
"There have always been times where I've not been sure and I can't see the path, see my way into football at the moment."
AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT
It was former Ipswich defender Russell Osman who recommended Mings to The Tractor Boys boss Mick McCarthy.
He played an hour of a trial match against a Nike Academy team, and even rollicked seasoned pro Danny Higginbotham in front of the now-Republic of Ireland boss.
“Potentially rubbed a few people up the wrong way. But a big character, one you’d like around your team. And a genuine guy.
“He played left back for us but I always knew he could be a centre half, with his size and athleticism. He plays in a way that catches your attention. He’s always out there making tackles, making blocks, putting his body on the line.”
MENTAL HEALTH
Eddie Howe, a man who scours the lower divisions for talent for Bournemouth, took a punt on Mings in an £8m deal in 2015.
But a tragic setback on his debut, a crippling knee ligament injury, left him sidelined for a year.
Just 22, he was left devastated and fell down a dark hole.
“When it got to the diagnosis of my knee and when I realised how long I was going to be out, my thoughts spiralled out of control," he said.
"I would shut myself away, I didn’t want to do rehab. I didn’t want to do anything to get my knee better, I didn’t want to talk to anyone.
“It was only when I went to see the manager and told him how I was feeling that he said ‘you need help’'.
NOT FORGOTTEN HIS ROOTS
Recognised as one of the most generous footballers in this country, Mings hasn't left the past behind.
Instead, he embraces it. When he was 20 at Ipswich, he sacrificed time with his family on Christmas Day to feed the homeless.
Mings has also bought tickets for a fan who couldn't afford to pay for them in the past, as well as offered to buy new shirts for fans who had his old squad number stamped on their new kits on Twitter.
But it is his mum who he is most thankful for, who helped him realise his potential.
In 2015, he shared a text message exchange between them on Instagram that showed he has his heart in the right place.
His mother said she was grateful for wiping "all my debt away", with Mings replying that she warranted "every penny" adding: "This is why I do it."