Goalkeeper Simon Moore, 31—a former Sandown High School student—made his Championship debut for Coventry City in front of a crowd of nearly 21,000 at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Sunday.
The Sky Blues won their first game of the season 2-1 against Nottingham Forest with Simon making a vital save against Brennan Johnson shortly before halftime.
Simon began his career as a 15-year-old at Brading Town, where his father was a manager at one time. The 6 foot 3-inch goalkeeper trained with Theo Walcott Southampton Academy, where he was rejected at the age of 13 for being too short.
Simon began his professional career at Brentford, aged 22, before moving to Cardiff City in 2013. In 2016, he transferred to Sheffield United, where he saw the Blades progress from Division 1 to the Premiership.
This year, he became a free agent and took the opportunity to sign for the Championship side, Coventry, in July. To date, Simon has made a total of 194 professional appearances for 6 clubs.
Simon Moore also represented the Isle of Wight at the Island Games in 2009. His younger brother Stuart, 26, is also a professional goalkeeper, who currently has a contract with Championship side, Blackpool.
Correction. Blackpool are also in the Championship. The 2 brothers could be facing each other this season.
You are correct, Geoff. Article amended. See you at Brading next week, I hope.