Chris Gunter is proof hard work and ambition can get you far in life. And now the experienced defender is relishing the chance to star for Wales at this year’s World Cup.
The 33-year-old is just one of only of two League Two players who have been selected to compete in Qatar, and while Premier League stars will rightly take top billing in the Arab state, Welsh international Gunter is looking to make his mark for Wales at this year’s month-long competition.
He will be in the running to play on Monday when Wales start their campaign against USA, and could face Harry Kane and company when the Dragons clash with England in Group B next Tuesday.
In July Gunter, a former Premier League star, took the brave decision to drop to League Two. He joined AFC Wimbledon and teamed up with his former Charlton Athletic boss Johnnie Jackson.
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The pair are good friends and that’s one of the main reasons Jackson, speaking exclusively to The Sportsman, admits that he managed to persuade Gunter to sign for the club.
“You won’t find a better professional than Gunts,” revealed Jackson, who, like his Wimbledon teammates, is incredibly proud of Gunter’s achievements and will be closely following his progress.
“One of the reasons I was keen to bring him to the club is because I inherited quite a young squad and that experience and someone who had been there and done it, who could still do it on the football pitch.
“You’re talking about a guy who trains every day, never misses a session, never misses a game or a bus and he very rarely gets injured. He recently played his 700th game - and that was for us. It’s mad, it’s some going.
“He’s a shining light really as far as an example to the younger boys and the level of his performances has been excellent.
“The fact that he’s experienced means that I can talk to him on a more personal level than manager-player, it’s more sort of colleagues really because I’m not that much older than him.
“He’s had a long career and having worked with him before I know exactly what he’s like. For us he’s been excellent and he’s obviously had a brilliant career.”
Gunter is an attacking full-back and can easily play on either flank. He graduated through the Cardiff City youth system and in 2007 got his big break when Tottenham Hotspur forked out a reported £4 million for his services.
Gunter, who made his international debut at just 17, had two seasons for Spurs in the Premier League and also tasted top-flight football with Reading in 2012. The likeable Welshman also played for Nottingham Forest during a distinguished 19-year career which shows no signs of slowing down.
And at international level he made his debut in 2007 and has since gone to become Wales’ most capped international with 109 appearances. The former Wales Football of the Year beat former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall’s record of 92 caps in 2018.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him and one of his concerns when we signed him in the summer was whether dropping down to League Two would affect him actually getting picked,” admits Jackson.
“He’s got such a good relationship with manager Rob Page - and fair play to Rob because he’s open-minded enough to see the level’s good and players are playing regularly. If you’re a valuable part of his squad then he’s got no problem picking them from League Two.”
Gunter and Swindon Town’s Jonny Williams – who Jackson also managed at Charlton – are the only two League Two players in Qatar, while Milton Keynes Dons’ Matt Smith and Portsmouth’s Joe Morrell are the two League One players in action.
“I’m delighted for him and Jonny, who I’ve worked with previously, I’m really pleased for those guys,” added Jackson. “I’ve had a hand in all of them at some points, but some bigger than others!
“Gunts is one who’s really close to my heart having worked with him twice now at two different clubs. It’s great for us as a football club to have someone representing us at a World Cup.”
Gunter starred for Wales in their memorable run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, playing in every game for his country at the competition. He also played in Euro 2020, but this is the biggest competition of his impressive career, with Wales having qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time 64 years.
“He has been around it for years and he’s been a mainstay in that Wales squad,” adds Jackson. “He’s an integral part even though he doesn’t play as many games as he used to.
“He’s a real integral part of what they do. It’s not necessarily those guys who are on the pitch in tournament football. You need that squad and you need that camaraderie, which they seem to have a great deal of and Gunts is a big part of that.”
It’s little surprise younger players especially look up to him and try to follow his example.
“It’s more the way he conducts himself,” said Jackson. “He’s not a screamer and a shouter. He’s not particularly really loud in the changing room, but he puts his arm around them and has conversations with the younger players.
“The way he trains, how he’s out there every single minute. I’ve played him in some of the FA Cup games and the Papa John’s games and he’s not one to look after as they get older. He wants to be involved in everything.
“The way he conducts himself everyday is an example to those younger players about the levels they can reach if they do it properly.
“He’s not a world beater in terms of ability and talent. He’s a very good player, he’s absolutely maximised his career by the way he’s looked after himself. I think a lot of the players look up to him. He’s found the right balance. He’s certainly one of the boys in the changing room and part of what they’re trying to build in team spirit, unity and all of that.
“He’s respected for what he’s achieved. When he played his 700th game I made it a point of saying that in front of the group and making a lot out of that because I thought it was important to mark. I made sure the lads acknowledged it and I gave it a ripple that it would be his last game with us and he was off to the World Cup.”
Gunter is likely to have his work out against Kane and England’s star players, but Jackson believes his player - and good friend – won’t be fazed by the task at hand.
“I’ll say they’ve [Wales] got a really good opportunity,” said Jackson. “England are obviously the standout in the group, but I’d say they’ve got a reasonable shot of getting through.
“It’s a difficult one for me because I want him back as soon as possible as far as the team’s concerned, but on a personal note I want them to do as well as they can just not against England!
“It’s a strange one, but we’ll be wishing him all the best.“
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
