Englishmen who upset odds stand in Newcastle’s way

Christian Burgess, a history graduate who studied World War One, is more knowledgeable about the significance of Belgian resilience in the face of a wealthy, more resources-savvy adversary.

He told BBC Sport, “I specialized in one of the small reasons the war broke out: Belgium was essentially protected by the UK, and the UK went to war again when they invaded.”

The area is fascinating for a history buff because Burgess claims that there are “monuments that you constantly drive past that remind you of the First and Second World Wars”

And in keeping with the tenacity of the area, his own career has also been a study of upsetting the odds; he acknowledges never truly anticipated being a champions league player. He was the oldest English outfielder to debut in the Champions League since Steve Bould for Arsenal in November 1998, age 33 years and 344 days, when he faced PSV on September 16th.

Even if Union Saint-Gilloise hosts Premier League powerhouses Newcastle United on October 1st, both their captain and Union Saint-Gilloise will be ready for their competition debut.

“I just vividly recall watching the Champions League as a child. I recall watching Liverpool in the Istanbul final. Ronaldinho’s special goal at Chelsea-Barcelona is all I recall. There is no way I could ever imagine playing in that competition, and it’s very strange for it to happen this late, he said, “because they’re the kind of memories that stick with you.”

Prior to his second year of study, Burgess was given a trial at Championship side Middlesbrough after being released by Arsenal as a young player.

Tony Mowbray, the then-manager, encouraged him to continue his education despite the fact that he had already signed a two-year professional contract.

He referred to his first professional deal as “something you couldn’t turn down.” I then accepted it and began my education at Teesside University. My first two years were allowed to transfer.

Because the contract was a foot in the door, not a career, Mowbray advised me to ensure that I completed it. I listened to his words, and thankfully, I was able to pursue a career in the game as well.

Prior to moving to Belgium in 2020, Burgess enjoyed stints in League One with Portsmouth and Peterborough.

And, remarkable to note, he is not the only English center-back to have left his third-tier job to pursue a top-flight career in Belgium.

After Union “taken a chance” on him, defensive partner Ross Sykes was signed from Accrington Stanley in 2022.

After Sykes, like Burgess, overcome hardship in his early years, the pair helped Union win their first league title in 90 years last year.

Although he is currently 6’5″, Burnley previously released him because he was deemed to be “too small” as a child.

It ultimately turned out to be a turning point for his career.

He said after being fired at the age of 11, “I didn’t want to keep going with academy football.” However, one or two weeks later, my parents convinced me to appear in court at Accrington Stanley. After that, I didn’t look back.

Sykes and Burgess combined for 318 appearances for Union, beginning a campaign that has brought the Belgian league leaders to the top of Europe’s table for the first time.

Sykes’ surprise defeat to PSV in their first Champions League game last month came as no surprise to Union because his team are “not afraid to come up against anyone.”

Burgess certainly felt at home at the top of the table in Europe. The Union captain finished the match as the top-ranking player, receiving a 9.39 out of 10 rating from BBC Sport readers.

An Englishman may not seem like the most obvious choice to lead a European campaign, but Union have always chosen the less traveled route. They have only played one league game in the top two tiers of English football.

According to Burkess, “It’s a club built on the reputation of bringing youngsters from untapped leagues through.” If they see potential, we have players from the Union, Estonian, Latvian, Croatian, and Austrian leagues, and that will give them a chance to shine.

When Union discovered their opponents in last month’s Champions League draw, this tight-knit group of players were observing closely in the canteen.

Union had already secured glamorous matches with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid, but the Belgian champions’ pairing with Newcastle had a particularly loud roar.

Sykes leaped from his seat at the back of the room and punched the air immediately, all of whom were present. They understood what it meant to Englishmen.

“Playing in the Champions League against your boyhood club” He claimed that nothing can be further from that.

Although Sykes was born in Burnley, the centre-back idolized Alan Shearer and later Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor for their roles.

Sykes even watched Newcastle’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund from the stands at theWestfalenstadion a few years ago.

On Wednesday night in Brussels, the centre-back could face the Black and Whites.

Because it’s in the Champions League, he said, “It would be a dream come true.” The best competition available to club members is “the one.”

Union’s defensive partner Burgess claims they want to place in the play-off round and earn a shot at a European giant in knock-out football if they place in the top 24 in the league phase.

There shouldn’t be any understatement when playing against a club like Union and determined players like Burgess and Sykes.

I’ve picked up the art of perseverance. I’ve also experienced a lot of downs throughout my career, according to Burgess.

I definitely made mistakes at Portsmouth and Peterborough before I can get where I am right now, and part of that is simply continuing to work hard.

On Wednesday night, Sykes will have his family watching him at Lotto Park to possibly watch him make his competitive debut.

The 26-year-old’s remarkable journey would be in its most recent chapter.

He remarked, “Never give up.” You will always be compensated for the work you put in, according to the saying.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, and the BBC Sport website and app from 12:00 to eve of the match.