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‘I didn’t think I’d be worth anywhere near as much as that!’ - McCallum admits shock upon discovering City bid
City's development of top talent was a decisive factor in McCallum's move. Picture: Norwich City FC - Credit: Jason Dawson
When he was playing non-league football, Sam McCallum never thought he would be involved in a move that would see him signed for millions of pounds.
Sam McCallum signed for City on Deadline Day. Picture: Norwich City FC - Credit: Jason Dawson
The 19-year-old completed a Deadline Day move to Norfolk after impressing for the Sky Blues in League One, but his humble beginnings have allowed him to keep both feet on the ground.
City reportedly beat a number of high-profile sides to the signing of McCallum, including champions-elect Liverpool.
McCallum is aiming to become a role-model for non-league talents looking to progress higher the football pyramid.
Jamie Vardy's academy was the place where McCallum caught the attention of Coventry City and he admits that he was shocked when he heard the amount of money City had bid to secure his servies.
McCallum has been a major part of the Sky Blues squad this season. Picture: Steve Waller - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
MORE - Ex-City striker returns to first-team training after major health scare"When I saw a seven-figure bid had been turned down, I thought it was unreal - I didn't think I'd be worth anywhere near as much as that.
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A couple of days before deadline day my agent phoned me up saying 'we're heading over to Norwich'," he told the Kent Gazette .
"He gave me time to speak to my family, but it was almost a no-brainer because they're a Premier League side."
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McCallum is a Manchester United fan and idolised left-back Patrice Evra whilst operating for non-league side Herne Bay.
McCallum is refusing to forget his humble beginnings. Picture: Steve Waller - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
He penned a four-year deal at Carrow Road but feared his football career was over after being released by Gillingham's academy.
His endeavour and love for the game saw him opt to hone his craft in the eighth-tier whilst completing his A Levels and working part time for a local accountacy firm.
"Coming from non-league, you know it's hard having a job and having to go to train on Tuesday nights when it's freezing cold, and travelling for up to two hours to away games on Saturdays,"
"I know I've got to grasp this opportunity and I'm grateful to be able to play full-time football."
"I'm striving to be a role model for players at Herne Bay Youth to show it is possible, even if you come from a small town."
Shortly after joining the Sky Blues, his teammate Kyle McFadzean told McCallum he was destined for the Premier League after the standard of his performances in League One.
