Adam Desbois overcame an ACL setback and time without a club to earn Carlisle United's starting goalkeeper role. The 25-year-old joined Brunton Park after impressing at Slough Town and Gateshead, where he rebuilt his career following a serious knee injury.
How did the ACL injury affect Adam Desbois's career path?
After leaving Brighton & Hove Albion, Desbois played non-league football with Cheshunt, Hartley Wintney, Leatherhead and Hampton & Richmond Borough. During a match, he felt pain in his right knee but continued playing, believing it was manageable. The issue was undiagnosed until a scan at the end of the season revealed an ACL injury. He described the aftermath as one of the most difficult periods of his career, saying he was clubless with no income and had to fund his own recovery.
What did Adam Desbois do during his recovery from the ACL injury?
Without a contract or income, Desbois devoted himself to rehabilitation, determined not to let the injury define his future. He spent nearly a year recovering before Slough Town offered him a chance to restart his career in the National League South. He repaid their faith by becoming their first-choice goalkeeper, making 33 appearances and rebuilding his reputation.
How did Adam Desbois earn his move to Carlisle United?
His performances for Slough Town caught the attention of then Gateshead manager Rob Elliot, who brought him in for 12 appearances, including five clean sheets. Desbois impressed when facing Carlisle United as an opposition goalkeeper. After Gabe Breeze departed, Elliot moved to sign him for Carlisle United, where he has since established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Adam Desbois said: "Hopefully in a couple of years I look back and think I'm happy I've been through that and it created who I am today." He also reflected on the contrast between his past struggles and current opportunity: "To think it wasn't long ago I was clubless and had no income and spending a lot of money to now being here and being given this great opportunity, it's great."
Carlisle United will rely on Desbois in their upcoming fixture against AFC Fylde, available to view on our fixtures page. His squad number and role are detailed on the squad page, while his performance stats can be tracked on the stats page.
