FROM the Champions League to a trial with a Bundesliga club to relegation from the English Football Conference.
If the journey had been made in the other direction then this would be a tale of triumph. Sadly for former Motherwell player Zane Francis-Angol, the start is far better than then ending - so far.
However, the 22-year-old Englishman doesn't want his career to peter out which is why he is back in Scotland training at Broadwood for the PFA Scotland Showcase Exit trial on Saturday in the hope he can impress one of the many scouts who will in attendance.
Read more: £200k fee offers comfort to Motherwell as trio move closer to re-signing
His story is far from unique. Too many good pros are struggling for full-time employment no matter what they did in the past.
"I played in the Champions League and Europa League for Motherwell," said Francis-Angol. That was four years ago but must seem like an eternity. "Personally, I know what I am capable of at my best and I will do whatever I can to get there. Whatever level that takes, I will go for it.
"I went on trial at Hamburg around Christmas time. They had been looking at me for a while. They asked if I could come over for a trial match and Kidderminster said it was fine.
"It was a decent game for their under-23s and I did well but nothing came of it. I gave it my best shot but any interest from abroad is probably finished now.
"I came in over to Scotland the weekend and it's been decent. The training has been good and it's good to keep yourself ticking over ahead of the trial game.
"There is a chance of getting an opportunity at a club, whether it's in Scotland or England. I have a few trials lined up just now but you have to take every opportunity that comes your way.
"I was at Kidderminster Harriers last season in the Conference. It was a short-term deal that I then extended. It wasn't the greatest season. We got relegated at the end of it but it was good to get back playing."
Francis-Angol was a regular under Stuart McCall at Fir Park until injury curtailed his time there. It is a setback he never really got over.
"I had a hard time with injury in the last few months at Motherwell," he said. "I had to have an operation and then broke down a few times with my groin after Ian Baraclough took over.
"I didn't really get the chance to show what I could do and I wasn't able to get a new contract. He just said, 'I need to let you go'.
"It's hard, especially when it comes to injuries. You are just looking for a bit of luck. Hard work also counts. The people who work hardest do reap the rewards.
"You can't think about giving up. You can't have that attitude and I would never do that."
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