One on One | Newcastle’s Dan Burn: from non-league to England, we chat to the man of the moment!
Mar 19, 2025
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Dan Burn, Newcastle United's resilient defender, shares his incredible journey from non-league football to receiving his first call-up to the England national team. He reflects on overcoming rejection, self-doubt, and the transformative power of mentorship in his career. Burn emphasizes the significance of mental well-being in sports and reveals how his supportive manager helped him regain confidence. With recent milestones like scoring in a Cup Final, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and passion in football.
Dan Burn's journey from non-league football to the Premier League showcases resilience and the importance of seizing opportunities amid setbacks.
Parenthood transformed Burn's outlook on football, allowing him to play with greater freedom while emphasizing the significance of being a positive role model.
Deep dives
Overcoming Adversity
Dan Byrne's journey to professional football illustrates the power of resilience and determination. After being released from Newcastle's development center as a young player, he faced a significant setback to his confidence. However, a turning point came when he joined Darlington, where he was given opportunities to prove himself and eventually made a rapid rise up the football ranks. This experience taught him discipline and boosted his morale, leading to his eventual signing with Fulham.
The Importance of Perspective
Byrne discusses how becoming a parent changed his perspective on football and life in general. The pressure he once felt to perform at the highest level became less daunting when he realized that his worth was not solely defined by his football career. This shift in mindset allowed him to play more freely and with greater confidence. It also motivated him to set a positive example for his children and support his community, emphasizing the broader impact of his profession.
Navigating Career Challenges
When reflecting on his career, Byrne highlights the mental challenges he faced, particularly during his time at Fulham, where he struggled with confidence and overthinking. Brutal conversations with management led to feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty about his future. Nevertheless, after transferring to Wigan and finding success, his confidence began to rebuild, culminating in achievements like winning the League One championship. These experiences taught him vital lessons about facing fears and taking opportunities, reinforcing his belief in hard work and dedication.
What a week it has been for Newcastle defender Dan Burn!
In this episode of 'One on One', Juliette Ferrington went to his hometown of Blyth to meet up with the 32 year old, with neither knowing what was going to happen eight days later on Friday 14th March, when he was called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Two days after that, he became the first Newcastle United man to score in a Cup Final since 1976. The stuff of fairytales!
However, as we find out, it's not always been easy for Burn - from dealing with rejection and playing non-league, to having his confidence shot as he made his way back to Newcastle in the Premier League.
You can also watch this episode on Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel and on our website and app.
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