Tom Pett: 10 Things You Might Not Know

Tom Pett might be a familiar name to fans across the Latics fanbase – but how well do you really know our first signing of the summer?

A seasoned midfielder with promotions and play-off pushes on his CV, Tom arrives at Boundary Park with a wealth of experience – but there’s still plenty more to learn about our new signing.

Here are 10 things you might not know about Tom Pett:

- Growing Up

I was captain of my local team, Potters Bar Town, at the age of 17, playing in the Ryman Division One North. Originally, I went to trial for the U18s, but the manager was watching and brought me straight over to the first team.

- A Cricketer?

I had trials for Middlesex County Cricket Club when I was 14 – it’s a sport I still love today! I played for my local Potters Bar Cricket Club from the age of 9, working my way through the age groups up to the men’s 3s, 2s, and eventually the first XI. Football soon took over, and unfortunately I’m not able to play now, but I still go to watch a game when I’m back down in Potters Bar.

- Tom’s Degree

I have a Sports Science degree. I studied at Middlesex University for the first two years while I was a semi-professional footballer. I took a few years off once I became a professional, but I finished it a couple of years ago. I hope to use the degree once I’ve finished playing football.

- Supporting the 'Gooners'

I’m a big Arsenal fan – my whole family supports them (apart from my mum!). Me, my dad, and my brother have season tickets, along with my uncle. We’ve been going to watch Arsenal since the Highbury days, including many cup finals, even the Champions League final (which we unfortunately lost). I don’t get to many games these days, but when I can, I go to Sunday afternoon or midweek matches.

- Straight in the Thick of It

I was never part of an academy growing up. I played Sunday League football for Potters Bar Crusaders, then joined Boreham Wood in 2000. I had lots of trials but always got knocked back and told I was too small to become a footballer! Just goes to show – never give up!

- Family Life

I’ve got a big family with plenty of uncles, aunties, and cousins! I’ve got one brother and three sisters – my brother plays for Leverstock Green FC. My dad and my sister Jess travel up to watch games wherever they are – they’ve covered a fair few miles.

- Pets

I’m a big lover of dogs – I hate cats! Growing up, we had two Boxers, a King Charles Spaniel, a Golden Retriever, a Clumberdoodle, a Bulldog, a Doberman, and two mixed breeds of Newfoundland/German Shepherd/Boxer! I’m sure there’ll be more to add to the list soon enough.

- A Model?

I was a model as a little kid! I did a Pampers advert and featured in a catalogue for baby clothes. Not sure I kept those looks growing up – sport seemed like a better option!

- Gaming

I love my gaming – it’s what I do in my spare time to take my mind off football. I stream when I get some free time, playing Call of Duty and EAFC (FIFA). Catch me on Twitch: twitch.tv/pettzsta91.

- Mr Pett

I worked as a teacher before becoming a footballer – I was a P.E. Technician at Dame Alice Owens in Hertfordshire. During that time, I helped run a rugby and netball tour to South Africa, which was an unbelievable experience. That made me want to go to university and get my degree to become a teacher. I always knew I needed a plan in case football didn’t work out – thankfully it did, but I’ve still got the degree to fall back on.