" At Stansted I didn’t get paid. There was the occasional… well an old man there who used to give me a fiver if I scored the winning goal! "
- Dwight Gayle

In this statement, Dwight Gayle reflects on his early days playing football at Stansted Airport. He humorously mentions that during those times, he did not receive regular compensation from the club for his performance. However, there was an elderly gentleman who occasionally rewarded him with a five-pound note when he scored a crucial goal.

The quote encapsulates various themes such as the informal and sometimes unpredictable nature of amateur sports environments, where financial rewards are scarce but moral support and recognition can be found in unexpected ways. It also highlights the personal connections and memorable moments that can arise from passionate yet modest settings, underscoring the value placed on individual achievements by fans or community members. Gayle's reminiscence suggests a sense of camaraderie and warmth that comes with playing for smaller clubs where every victory is celebrated personally.

Dwight Gayle is an English professional footballer who has played as a forward for several teams, including MK Dons, Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City, and Seattle Sounders FC. His career spans over a decade, marked by his agility on the field and goal-scoring prowess. The quote reflects on one of his earlier experiences before becoming a professional athlete, capturing a moment in his journey where the essence of football lay more in passion than profit.