The
now 20-year-old has a remarkable story to tell, as he was diagnosed with
Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease at the age of 5 and spent 18 months in a wheelchair.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
is a childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball part of the
hip joint is temporarily interrupted, and the bone begins to die.
However,
he overcame that to become a professional footballer!
The
son of former Sheffield United, Boston United and Kidderminster Harriers`
midfielder Lee Thompson, Declan played as a youth at Sheffield Wednesday before
being released at the age of 14.
He
began training with Northern Premier League Division One East side Stocksbridge
Park Steels where his father was assistant manager, although could not play as
he was too young.
He
registered with the league upon his 16th birthday in March 2018 and made his
senior debut later that month.
To
make an amazing turnaround in fortune, he was signed by Sheffield Wednesday on
a two-year scholarship in the summer of 2018.
Following
his two-year scholarship, he signed a one-year professional contract in summer
2020 and made his senior debut in January 2021 in an Emirates FA Cup win over
Exeter City.
A
one-year option was activated in his contract in May 2021, keeping him at the
club until the summer of 2022 whereupon he was released.
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