In his own words, Brentford B defender Chanse Headman is the “biggest wind-up you’ll ever find” within his family.
A popular member of Sam Saunders’ squad, Headman brings this same humour and bubbliness to Jersey Road, his positivity helping him to enjoy his best campaign on the pitch so far since joining the club in February 2023.
The centre-back has become a mainstay of the young Bees’ backline this season and the 20-year-old has made the most of his increased minutes across the Professional Development League and Premier League Cup.
"Within my family, I’m the biggest wind-up you’ll ever find… I feel like within the group, especially times where people might not be the happiest, it’s good just to be a bubbly person and someone that everyone can bounce off," said Headman.
"You see these people more than you see your family, so you’re going to be close with them no matter what.
"I like to just to be a positive person within the group, be a bit of a wind-up, have a laugh with coaches and staff, just being a nice person is important.
"I feel like my connection with everyone is really strong and as a group our connection is really strong, and that definitely helps on the pitch."
"I feel like my connection with everyone is really strong and that definitely helps on the pitch"
Headman has been forced to be patient, the defender unable to break into the starting line-up on a consistent basis across the past two seasons.
His infectious personality has never wavered, however, as he remained positive and continued working hard while waiting for his opportunity to arrive.
"I just remained focused, speaking to the coaches on what I can do better, working on my own things, trying to hone my craft and perfect the things that I need to," he explained.
"These positions are hard to get into, so I tried not to take it for granted and remembered what and who I have around me, and using them to the max.
"Having my family support has helped me stay focused… they have been really key. They’ve helped me stay on my feet, and to keep going and reminded me that I’m here for a reason.
"It helped to get myself prepared for this season where I’m going to be playing a lot more and putting myself in the best position to perform."
Headman’s journey to west London has helped keep him grounded, too.
The defender made his way through Bedhead, Kingstonians, Sutton United, Hanwell Town, Leatherhead and Walton and Hersham en route to Brentford.
Assistance from coaches and family along the way helped him grow, something that has continued this term.
"Throughout my career, I’ve had quite a few managers that have helped me; Miles [Dunford] at Bedhead, Nathan [Fearon] at Hanwell, then Martin [Jackson] and Simon [Langley] at Walton and Leatherhead," explained Headman.
"My dad also trained me, my uncles Liam [Kimpton], Russell [Kimpton] and Oliver Skeete, grandad and mum came to watch and all gave feedback.
"I feel like those people have really made me the person I am today on and off the pitch."
Fast forward to the current day and a strong relationship with former assistant coach and now head coach Saunders has helped Headman.
"Me and Saunds have always had quite a good relationship, he’s helped me a lot in just identifying what I need to work on and then helping me work on those things," said Headman.
"Coming into this season, he spoke to me just saying what he wants from me and that he believes I can really push on and do well, which helped me a lot just knowing that I have the backing of the gaffer.
"Speaking to him and going through games since, he’s picked out other bits that I can improve and things that I’m getting better at, which has really helped.
"On the flip side, we can have a bit of a laugh with each other as well.”
This strong relationship is reflected throughout the squad, with the young Bees carrying on their good form from last season’s PDL title-winning campaign.
"I think as a team it’s been a much stronger start to this season than last season," said Headman.
"I feel like we’re getting more good results and we’re building that team spirit, which is good.
"We’re finding the net a bit more than last season, being a bit more clinical and defensively, I feel like we’re getting stronger and stronger every game.
"We’re finding the net a bit more than last season, being a bit more clinical and defensively, I feel like we’re getting stronger and stronger every game"
"For me personally, it’s been a lot better getting more minutes. I feel like it’s really helping me grow on the pitch and off the pitch.
"Going to Saunds, Neil [MacFarlane] and Swifty [Kieran Swift], reviewing footage and just being able to improve the finer details is key, so I’m really happy with the way it’s going so far.
"For me it’s been a really positive start. I'm just starting to really try and perfect some things in my game and make myself a key player within the squad, and be one that Saunds can rely on."
Headman and the young Bees face Charlton Athletic away from home the PDL on Tuesday 4 November, before returning home to Wheatsheaf Park to face Watford the following Saturday.