Jay Emmanuel Thomas

If ever there was a cautionary tale about wasted potential, this has to be it. Thomas was a star of the Arsenal youth set up and seemed to be on a collision course with fame and fortune.

In 2009 he was captain as Arsenal’s youth team won the Youth Premiership, in 2011 Arsene Wenger said “When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player but a great player” shortly after he made his Premier League debut against Chelsea.

A month ago it was confirmed he wouldn’t be joining Billericay. What on earth has happened?

He’s now 27 and would surely be a big capture for any League Two club, if they could afford his wages,