By Happypal 
Football is about more than just goals and highlights — the EFL especially offers rich, human stories. From players juggling education and ambition, to academy graduates making their mark, the midweek EFL matches are shaped by characters whose dedication and journeys resonate far beyond the pitch.
This week, we shine a light on five stories that capture the heart and soul of the English Football League — stories of dreams, academics, youth, and reinvention.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest talking points.
1. Colby Bishop: The Striker Doing a Masters
When you think of a professional footballer, images of training, travel, and intense match days come to mind. But for Colby Bishop, a 29-year-old forward with Portsmouth, his midweek hours are consumed not just by football — but by essays, lectures, and referencing as he pursues a Master’s in Sport and Directorship.
A Career Built on Resilience
- Bishop’s journey hasn’t been smooth: he climbed through the lower leagues, stepped away from football, and returned stronger than ever.
- He’s earned coaching badges, obtained a personal training qualification, and is now diving deep into academic life — all while leading the line for Pompey.
Balancing Books and Boots
- The coursework is intense. Bishop talks about balancing full-time training with nights of study and moments when he sacrifices leisure to finish an assignment.
- He believes this investment in education is vital: “By the time I finish the master’s, I’ll be in a better place for life after football.”
- His perspective is grounded: he doesn’t see this as a backup plan — it’s part of his identity. Football gave him a platform, but education offers him long-term purpose.
Why This Matters in the EFL Context
- Many players in the EFL juggle second jobs, coaching courses, or educational goals. Bishop’s master’s journey highlights how players plan for longevity, not just the next contract.
- His story challenges the stereotype of footballers as single-minded and underprepared for life off the pitch.
- It’s a reminder that success in sport doesn’t mean neglecting other ambitions — in fact, sometimes, the two go hand in hand.
2. Joe Gelhardt: A Loan Star Finding His Rhythm at Hull
Loan spells can make or break a career. For Joe Gelhardt, his time at Hull City has become a turning point — a place where confidence and opportunity converge.
A Comfort Zone in East Yorkshire
- Gelhardt, still only in his early 20s, has struck up a bond with the Hull supporters. He’s spoken of loving his return to the club.
- He’s been rewarded with consistent playing time, playing in a team that trusts him, and getting chances to show what he can do in the Championship.
Form and Momentum
- He’s already racked up an impressive goal tally: six goals in his last seven matches, according to his own comments.
- That kind of scoring run isn’t luck — it’s a byproduct of trust, consistency, and the right environment.
- For Gelhardt, being at Hull isn’t just about scoring: it’s about developing a mature attacking game, learning to make smarter runs, and becoming a more complete forward.
What This Means for His Future
- A strong loan season could catapult him into his parent club’s plans or earn him a permanent move.
- But beyond that, Gelhardt is proving that he can succeed under pressure, in a team that relies on him.
- He’s not just scoring — he’s growing.
3. Anis Mehmeti: Process-Driven and Reaching New Heights
At Bristol City, Anis Mehmeti is turning heads — not with flashy declarations, but with quiet, calculated brilliance.
Crafting His Game Through Process
- Mehmeti describes his approach as process-driven. He doesn’t obsess over raw statistics, but rather focuses on the details:
- “Where to pick up the ball”
- “Which spaces to operate in”
- “How to press and break transitions”
- This tactical intelligence is paying off: he’s been directly involved in goals, assists, and key attacking phases.
A Love for Football as Entertainment
- For Mehmeti, football isn’t just competition — it’s art. He grew up idolizing players who played with flair and creativity, and he brings that same sense of joy to his game.
- He says watching high-level football has helped him shape his own style: not just to be effective, but to be entertaining.
Why He’s One to Watch
- In an EFL world often dominated by physicality and speed, Mehmeti’s cerebral game stands out.
- His ability to read plays and react intelligently gives Bristol City a real tactical edge.
- He’s not just a goal threat; he’s a playmaker who can drive transitions and unlock defences.
4. Dan Kemp: The Chelsea Academy Graduate Living EFL Life
From Stamford Bridge dreams to EFL grounds, Dan Kemp’s journey is the kind of story that resonates deeply with fans who follow the academy system.
Childhood Dreams and Real Football
- Kemp grew up as a Portsmouth fan — a fact that he doesn’t shy away from. He’s spoken about going to Wembley as a child and idolising players at Fratton Park.
- But his youth career weaved through Chelsea’s academy, and now his senior career has taken him to Stevenage, where he’s plying his trade in the EFL.
A Reflective and Adaptable Player
- He doesn’t look back with regret. Instead, he talks about his journey through different clubs, managers, and playing styles as an education in itself.
- Kemp believes the variety of experiences has made him more adaptable, more patient, and more driven to grow.
An EFL Story with Depth
- His story embodies the modern reality of many academy graduates: not every young star makes it at the top level, but many do meaningful work in the EFL.
- He’s not just surviving — he’s contributing, improving, and staying true to who he is.
5. Leo Castledine: Chelsea’s Young Talent Making His Mark at Huddersfield
If Dan Kemp represents old academy dreams, Leo Castledine represents the present — a kid from Chelsea’s system now cutting his teeth in the EFL on loan at Huddersfield.
From Wimbledon to Chelsea to Huddersfield
- Castledine’s early years saw him in the youth ranks of AFC Wimbledon, but his talent caught the eye, and Chelsea came calling.
- Fast forward to now, and he’s getting valuable experience at Huddersfield in League One, helping a competitive side while continuing his personal and professional development.
The Dream Debut
- One moment stands out: Castledine making a debut for Chelsea in a high-pressure cup game, under the lights, in front of big crowds.
- That moment, he once said, was a dream come true. It wasn’t just about playing — it was about feeling at home on a big stage.
Loan Life and Growth
- At Huddersfield, he’s learning how to translate youth promise into senior impact.
- The physicality, the speed, and the stakes in the EFL are all new levels — but Castledine approaches it with humility and ambition.
- He’s not just a loanee: he’s a representative of a long-term project, someone Chelsea and Huddersfield believe in.
Why These Stories Matter: The Bigger Picture of the EFL
Taken together, these five narratives reflect much more than individual ambition. They show how the EFL is not just a second tier of English football, but a vibrant ecosystem of personal growth, development, and opportunity.
Education Meets Ambition
- Colby Bishop balancing a master’s with life on the pitch reminds us that footballers think ahead. They see a future beyond their playing days — and they’re preparing for it.
Loan System as Growth Engine
- Players like Joe Gelhardt and Leo Castledine highlight how loans exist for more than just match time: they’re about confidence, purpose, and meaning within a career path.
Academy Graduates Finding Their Place
- Dan Kemp’s journey shows that academy life doesn’t end in the Premier League — for many, it’s a stepping stone into valuable playing time, identity formation, and long-term value.
Process Over Glamour
- Anis Mehmeti’s methodical rise shows the power of process. Not every player needs to be a flash-in-the-pan star — consistency and intelligence pay off in the EFL.
Youth and Senior Football Fusion
- Castledine exemplifies how young talent is being integrated through the EFL. Rather than being stuck in youth leagues, players are building adult careers earlier, in real competitive environments.
What to Watch This Midweek
As the EFL fixtures roll in, these are the storylines to follow:
- Will Colby Bishop complete his master’s while keeping his strike form?
His off-field discipline could mirror his on-field impact. - Can Joe Gelhardt maintain his momentum and push for a move or permanent contract?
His form could reshape Hull’s ambitions. - Will Anis Mehmeti continue creating for Bristol City?
He looks like the creative engine in a team built to press and transition. - How far can Dan Kemp climb from EFL regular to bigger stages?
His adaptability could be his greatest asset. - Will Leo Castledine return to Chelsea one day, or build a legacy in the EFL?
His loan spell could be defining for both his future and how Chelsea develops youth.
Conclusion: EFL Magic Lies in Its Human Stories
When we watch EFL football, we’re not just watching games — we’re watching journeys.
From Colby Bishop writing academic essays on his laptop, to Gelhardt finding his stride in Hull, to two young Chelsea prospects building their futures — these stories remind us why the league is so compelling.
It’s not just about goals.
It’s not just about wins.
It’s about growth, grit, and the dreams that football makes possible.
These five stories ahead of the midweek EFL matches don’t just highlight who to watch on the pitch — they highlight who to believe in off it.
@9jazicSPORT ⚽