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COHEN BRAMALL practiced with Arsenal’s first team, including World Cup victor Mesut Ozil, just days after being let go by car manufacturer Bentley.
The current left-back for Rotherham was left “gobsmacked” when he was promptly welcomed into Arsenal’s senior training under Arsene Wenger in 2017.
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Bramall was a part-time player for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division while also holding a full-time job at a car manufacturing facility.
He recounted to BBC Sport: “I was laid off by Bentley on Tuesday [20 December], which felt surreal as I was uncertain about what my next steps would be.
“The following day, my agent, Lee Payne, called me with news of a trial at Arsenal. I was thinking ‘what?’ – I was completely stunned.
“He told me to gather my things and head to this postcode, so I hastily packed my stuff in about an hour, rushed there, rested for a bit, and before I realized it, I was training with the first team.
“It was astonishing how quickly events unfolded, how I met everyone, and they welcomed me without hesitation. I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity.”
A trial match against Sheffield Wednesday U23s captured the attention of Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who then reached out to Bramall’s agent.
By the next morning, he found himself training with Arsenal’s first team rather than simply meeting with the reserves.
He noted: “I was thrown into a 5-vs-5 with some of the world’s top players, including Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, and Petr Cech. It was beyond belief.
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“The intensity and pace were phenomenal. It was an unforgettable experience for me.”
He also participated in a reserve match against Crystal Palace.
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After just two days, Arsenal made a move for Hednesford Town and officially acquired the then-20-year-old left-back.
The deal, worth an estimated £40,000, was finalized by the Gunners in January.
Wenger commented at the time: “Bramall is a young, potential-filled left-back who may not have much experience at the top level but has excellent attributes.
“He possesses remarkable speed, a powerful left foot, and a strong ambition to succeed. Overall, he’s a thrilling prospect.”
However, the player from Crewe spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.
Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly match against A-League team Sydney FC in July 2017.
Following that, he, along with Arsenal teammate Carl Jenkinson, was loaned out to Championship club Birmingham City in August.
Upon his return, he played three times for the under-21 side during the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.
Eventually, the club announced that he would be released when his contract expired in the summer of 2019.
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Climbing the EFL Ladder
After completing his stint at Arsenal, Bramall joined League Two side Colchester United in 2019, signing a two-year contract.
That August, he recorded his first red card in professional football for violent conduct during Colchester‘s 3–0 win over Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.
In December, he netted his first professional goal via a well-taken free kick in a 3–0 victory against Carlisle United.
Next, he signed a multi-year deal with League One club Lincoln City in February 2021.
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Subsequently, Bramall continued his rise through the football ranks as Rotherham triggered his release clause from Lincoln.
Now at 28 years old, he established himself in the first-team lineup, racking up 75 Championship appearances before Rotherham’s relegation in May.
He now finds himself playing secondary to former Manchester United youth player Reece James, managed by Steve Evans.
He shared with the Rotherham Advertiser: “This presents a challenge and is beneficial for my character. If I realize that I haven’t been performing well, I will certainly own up to it.”
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