Belford's son signs for Premiership Liverpool FC

TYRELL Belford – son of Tamworth goalkeeping coach Dale – has decided to go into the family business, of keeping clean sheets, after he was signed by Premier giants Liverpool.

The 15-year-old keeper recently agreed a three year deal with the Premiership side's youth set up, which is designed to take him up to when he leaves school.

He follows another Tamworth lad – Deale Chamberlain – in heading to the North West.

Proud dad Dale , who started out as goalkeeper at Leicester City and became a legend at Tamworth and Atherstone, told Herald Sport: "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for him.

"With the infrastructure they have got at Liverpool, with their facilities, coaches, fitness regimes and dieticians, I know he's in good hands.

"In the short space of time he's been there, we've noticed a massive improvement both physically and in his goalkeeping.

"Who knows whether he'll make it at Liverpool after the three years.

"I've been working in football for a long time so I'm not naive.

"But if he's playing around some of the best footballers in the country and can utilise the opportunity he's been given there, then it will stand him in good stead no matter where he plays in the future.

"As long as he can get his head down, work hard and keep his feet on the ground then he will benefit from the experience."

Goalkeeping prowess seems to run in the Belford family.

Dale's other two sons Courtney, 19, and Cameron, 21, are also goalkeepers and have both tasted success – the latter with League Two side Bury.

The goalkeeping coach said: "Ty's very lucky to have been bought up in a footballing environment.

"He looks up to both his brothers and will do well to emulate what they've done."

As for Dale – he is enjoying life at Tamworth coaching both the first and working with academy players but he is still registered as a player too and has put himself on stand by to help out Daren Fulford at Atherstone Town.

The 42-year-old added: "As a favour to Daren, I said I'd register for them and help out if a situation ever arose.

"I don't mind playing or sitting on the bench when they are short as many times as they need me, as long as it doesn't conflict with my job which is with Tamworth."