Having grafted relentlessly to earn a chance to swap Sunday League football for AFC Wimbledon, Huseyin Biler provides a fine example of what can be achieved against the odds.
Hus trained daily with his friends while playing Sunday League football for Ryan FC, a team headquartered in Walthamstow, in an attempt to fulfill a dream that had failed following failed attempts with league clubs.
A string of injuries has also tried his determination as a professional football player since he made his first-team breakthrough, but he’s now resolved to make up lost time by showcasing his eye-catching skills down the right side once more.
For those who missed it, Hus discussed recovering from setbacks, his twin brother Ahmet’s football career, and his ideal cup match for the Dons in this in-depth interview for the Matchday Programme against Swindon!
Since you recently returned to the team following an injury, how would you rate the season thus far?
This staff is fantastic and incredibly talented; there is a ton of untapped potential. Everyone was devastated by the previous season, and based on conversations I had with staff months prior, I knew this one would be much better. We had to take action as a team, and as a result, every member of the squad can now contribute positively. We’ve forged wonderful relationships together, and we’re really cohesive. We must now get going and attempt to qualify for the playoffs.
Although I’m glad to be playing again, it might have been much better. Regretfully, I received a red card; that experience helped me grow significantly. I’ve learned from my first experience, which was this one. I received a yellow card in that match against Doncaster, but I didn’t alter my style of play. However, the other night in the FA Cup, I had a booking in the second half, but even though I played the entire 90 minutes, I didn’t see myself being sent off. I gave the ball to my opponent and showed him one method while changing my strategy to fit the situation. That’s a skill I now possess.
Have you heeded the guidance of more experienced players on that?
Indeed. Alex Pearce was advising me to settle down and stay upright just before I left the field to play Ramsgate in the second half. The coaching staff mentors me too, having played at a high level themselves. I’m heeding their counsel together.
Even when you were a teenager, you continued to play Sunday League football with Ryan FC in Walthamstow. Do you recall how you were spotted when you first joined us?
It was two weeks before the Under-18s’ season opened, and I was seventeen years old. I was invited over here by my agent, who saw me playing Sunday League football through a connection. After I successfully adjusted, I was signed by Mark Robinson in a span of two to three weeks.
Have you ever felt like you missed out on a football opportunity?
No, since I always had a strong will to survive and was hungry. Although I could have done better in my academics and wasn’t the smartest student in the class, football was always a source of distraction for me. Every day I would go down to the fields beside our school and play kickball with my brother and a few others. I wouldn’t advise against studying because everyone has different life paths to choose, but for me, it was always football, and I believed I could succeed at it. As they say, talent is nothing without hard work, and that’s what I was all about at the time.
I was surrounded by wonderful support while I worked so hard. I would labor day and night and put in double training sessions to reach the levels of fitness needed to play professional football. I understood that exercising with my Sunday League team just once or twice a week wasn’t enough, so I would exercise with a group of guys all the time. I worked out every day to be prepared for the day when a professional team offered me a chance.
Did you have trials with other clubs when you were growing up?
Indeed. I was raised in North London and experienced trials in Barnet, Colchester, and Leyton Orient. I traveled up to Blackburn as well, but just as I was about to sign, the individual who had given me the opportunity lost his job.
Although you’ve now made 26 appearances for the first team, you didn’t play in the Trophy for Oxford until nearly three years ago. Have the injuries you’ve had caused you any difficulties at all?
Playing those games for the first squad was a blessing, but experiencing those disappointments has not been easy. Football injuries are a given, but I’ve learned to respect my body and modify my style of play when I’m worn out.
There has been a persistent hamstring strain. Injuries to my MCLs occurred in both of my legs, although they were caused by hits. I am learning to cope with hamstring issues, which are somewhat more within my control, although they prevented me from playing at the beginning of this season. I am grateful to our medical staff for strengthening my physique and improving my flexibility and agility.
Some young athletes have not been able to recover from these kinds of losses. Are you the kind of person who can overcome adversity and turn things around?
While recovering after an injury is difficult, it is made easier when you have God on your side and a loving family. Many young athletes, even experienced players, struggle greatly to cope with injuries because they may not have the same level of faith or belief as myself. I believe I’ve surmounted my injuries, especially with the recurrence of my hamstring injury, because it takes a lot of mental stability, trust, and patience to heal from injuries.
I firmly believe in God and the idea that everything has a purpose. In every bad circumstance, I always think there’s hope for improvement. I’ve learned to accept bad circumstances as opportunities since good things may always come from them.
Do you enjoy flipping off and getting away from it all, or are you one of those football players that prefers to watch other games?
I will watch any game that is broadcast on television! You can learn a lot by watching football at a higher level and doing analysis on it. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends when there aren’t any games on TV. I occasionally like to see a movie. The one I recently watched, Jerry Maguire, is based on a true story, so it was excellent. I’m watching a terrific legal drama series right now called Suits. That’s really interesting, in my opinion.
What was your knowledge of Wimbledon prior to registering with us?
I was aware of Wimbledon’s past involving the Crazy Gang. I’d heard a lot about players from that era, including Vinnie Jones. Because it reminds us of who we were and the times the Club used to play here, Plough Lane holds a particular place in our hearts. I have special feelings for it because I made my home debut there.
When Plough Lane was being created, I came here to sign my first professional contract and to have my picture shot. Obviously, a lot has changed since I signed, when the field was still a construction site without even grass!
What has been the pinnacle of your career thus far?
won 2-0 away from home against Tranmere in my league debut. I continue to talk to Ayoub whenever I can, even after he scored. He is one of my closest friends, and he seems to be doing well in Qatar. He is undoubtedly gifted, and we anticipate much more from him.
You have a twin brother – Ahmet – who plays football as well. How is he getting on?
He is a member of Wingate & Finchley, a successful Ryman Premier League team. Their goal is to advance. He is equally skilled as I am.
What is the history of your family?
My parents are Turkish-Cypriots who were both born in Cyprus. My father arrived in England at the age of ten or eleven, while my mother arrived at the tender age of two or three. After staying with my Uncle, who had moved to London and taken a job here, everything continued.
Would you be open to the idea of representing Cyprus internationally?
Since I always try to do my best, England would be my top choice, but I would also consider Cyprus and Turkey. I could play for the national squad if I obtained a Turkish passport.
Earlier in your career, you went on loan to Hendon, Merstham, and Welling. Was that a test to see how you would fare in men’s football?
When you take out a loan, you need things to go your way. You might choose to support a team that doesn’t share your philosophy on the game. Non-league managers are hesitant to alter their methods of operation. All of my loan stints, though, were still fantastic learning opportunities, especially when it came to the principles of winning football games. Scoring the three points is the only thing that matters when playing. I learned a lot from that experience and it helped me in the future.
Which cup tie would you dream of wearing?
I recently dreamed that we drew Liverpool away, and I discussed it with my agency. A ideal cup tie would be to visit Anfield. I’ve heard from managers, podcasters, and interview subjects that Anfield has a buzzing vibe. I want I could experience what it’s like to play there against a formidable opponent and alongside elite players. It would be a pleasure to assess my abilities as a player and evaluate myself. Although Mo Salah is now a hero at Liverpool, his humility is evident in his demeanor. He works extremely hard and has a strong ambition to be the greatest; these are traits we have in common.
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