FOOTBALLER Jamie Turland is today bringing a whole new meaning to the term journeyman.The committed midfielder may have played for several clubs in his time, but for the last five games in his Sunday League season he has been making an altogether different journey.

FOOTBALLER Jamie Turland is today bringing a whole new meaning to the term journeyman.

The committed midfielder may have played for several clubs in his time, but for the last five games in his Sunday League season he has been making an altogether different journey.

Jamie, captain of Bramford Cock Football Club, moved to Barnsley earlier this year but has driven a 400-mile round-trip each time his team plays to try and help them avoid relegation - spending a whopping £125 on petrol.

The 29-year-old said: "It comes down to the fact I love football and I know how much work other people put into the club and I want to do the same.

"We have two teams so when we get injuries and suspensions there's not always people to step in and play and it would have meant leaving the lads in the lurch."

Before moving to South Yorkshire to pursue his career as a carpenter, Jamie lived at Ranelagh Road, Ipswich.

The Bramford Cock side played in Division One of the Licensed Trades League. Despite winning their final game they were relegation when rivals Cavendish Park Rangers grabbed three life-saving points in a rearranged game on Tuesday.

The former Ipswich Town season ticket holder said: "It's such a shame we left it in someone else's hands. They spoiled everything with one game.

"They were suppose to be playing last week but it got called off and then we had an agonising wait.

"It was horrible hanging in the balance but I kept thinking if we avoided relegation the long trips home would have been well worth it.

"I don't regret it though. I'd do it again."

Jamie has decided it is now time to call it a day with the Bramford side, after playing on and off for them for more than a decade.

He said: "I can't keep doing it so I will try and find someone in Barnsley to play for next year.

"I'm getting older so am thinking about moving to centre back.

"To be honest, I get up fairly early for work anyway so I'm use to the early mornings. I don't always head straight back to Barnsley either.

"There's usually a couple of drinks in the pub first and sometimes I spend the night in Suffolk before driving home."

Club chairman Bill Studdard said: "It's great what Jamie's done. We are very grateful to him. It's not often you see such commitment."

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