Tom Barkhuizen, Jack Lankester, and Rob Street are three players who have navigated their careers through various clubs and experiences in football. Their stories tell of their development and maturation as teammates and competitors. Beyond their records and athleticism, they underscore the pivotal role of mentorship and community engagement within the sport. As the saga unfolds, each player provides a perspective that deeply humanizes each of their journeys full of failures and successes etched into the past.
Barkhuizen, who with Preston North End from 2017-2022, remembers his time there as a golden and productive era in his career. He cites Preston as the club where he played his best and felt his happiest football. After being promoted with Bradford City, he chose to stay in the area to share his knowledge with local youth, reflecting his commitment to the next generation. In his own words, Barkhuizen noted,
“Preston was where I played my best football and had the most enjoyment.”
Though his career suffered calamities, most notably in his final year at Derby County. He wasn’t able to get on the field and earn himself playing time. As of now, he is roaring regular on Barrow, where he hopes to take charge inside and outside of the field.
“I wanted to come somewhere I could make a difference, whether that’s on the pitch or as an older player in the dressing room,” Barkhuizen explained.
The Rise of Jack Lankester
Jack Lankester, who like Kropp has overcome numerous setbacks throughout his career only to use them as catalysts for personal growth. He hit the ground running at Crewe Alexandra, signaling intentions of a strong future. He suffered a catastrophic injury that kept him out for most of 2025. For all that, Lankester thinks living away from home has been hugely beneficial to his personal development.
“I think moving away has helped me grow up a bit,” Lankester stated.
And even though that spell at Hearts was the longest of his career, his attachments with Grimsby Town and Bradford City continues to flourish. He’s the first to admit getting used to life on his own has been an education in itself — full of challenges, discoveries and all sorts of unexpected magic.
“It’s all new experiences, living on your own and adapting,” he shared.
Lankester’s resilience and commitment to improvement resonate with his teammates, and he embodies the spirit of perseverance that is essential in football.
Rob Street’s Journey and Team Spirit
Rob Street’s journey has similarly been punctuated with important milestones. Street featured in two FA Cup matches for Manchester City in the 2015/16 season. From then on he moved to Doncaster Rovers, making well over 200 appearances for the club. That sense of camaraderie that he felt with his teammates back at Doncaster is what Simon treasures most.
“We had a strong, together group at Doncaster, a bit like what we’ve got here,” said Street.
He believes that unity within a team can lead to success, and he hopes to replicate that atmosphere with his current squad. Street is clear about the importance of confidence on one’s performance, writing,
“Confidence is massive in football. When you’re on a run and playing well, you almost feel invincible every time you step on the pitch.”
Looking back on his time at Doncaster, Street describes that period as one of the most fulfilling in his career.
“Looking back, that was the best five or six years of my career – great team, great manager, great atmosphere,” he remarked.
Street’s revelations on collaboration and faith in oneself shed light on traits that every aspiring sportsman should embrace in order to achieve greatness.
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