Jason Dozzell
Having grown up 400 yards from Portman Road, Dozzell became the youngest goalscorer in English top-flight history when netting on his Town debut, aged 16 years and 57 days, in February 1984. It’s a record that still stands today. The former Chantry High School pupil went on to help fire his beloved Blues into the inaugural Premier League in 1991/92 and remains in the top 10 of all-time appearance makers and goalscorers for his hometown club. Despite living his dream, Dozzell, who went on to play for Tottenham, struggled with his mental health post playing career and hit rock-bottom in 2019 when convicted of drug driving. Now in a much better place, he’s gone back through his life with the EADT and Ipswich Star’s chief football writer, Stuart Watson, in an attempt to join the dots.
Jason Dozzell said “I started the book 18 months ago after Ipswich had just played Forest Green Rovers in League One. Now, following back-to-back promotions, we are in the Premier League and everyone is talking about the club, so I couldn’t have timed it much better! That’s not why I’ve done it though. I did this book for me. It’s my therapy. I always knew my life had been complex. The problem was, whenever I tried to piece the bits together they just weren’t matching. I had to reach my lowest ebb and come through the other side to understand myself more and be ready to share my story. I have gone back to my childhood, I have looked at things that were missing in my life and I’ve taken responsibility for the mistakes I’ve made. It’s been hard, but there are things I needed to address. I’m an ‘old school’ footballer. We didn’t discuss our feelings or reach out. I now know that when you don’t talk, things come to a head – and they did for me. Jason Dozzell is held aloft by Ipswich Town fans in 1992 after promotion to the inaugural Premier League was secured. Stuart, who helped me put the book together, had a calm aura about him and managed to get certain things out that I’ve not been able to get out before. The world can only judge what you show them and, for a long time, all people knew was Jason Dozzell the footballer. This book explores what life was like for me before and after my playing career. It’s a chance for someone to stand in my shoes, go on the journey I have been on and see what they think. I hope it can help others open up about their struggles and emotions.”
‘Follow the Thunder’ is not officially released until September 9, but you can be among the first to purchase one this coming weekend. Jason will be signing copies of the book (£25) in the marquee at the back of the Portman Road FanZone from 12pm on Saturday ahead of Town’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
