EX-YATE TOWN striker Scott Wilson has seen his career come full circle after bagging a degree and securing a one-year contract with a National League side, years after being released by Bristol City and fearing the worst for his future in football.

Rewind five years and former Bristol City scholar Scott Wilson’s dream of being a professional footballer had stalled and he wasn’t sure where to turn next, but this year has seen the 23-year-old graduate from university and win an academic prize on top of securing a professional contract with Eastleigh.

Having spent the last five years at Hartpury University Centre, Wilson has returned to professional football with a degree in his back pocket just a few years after being released by City.

“I didn’t know what I was doing with my life (after being released by Bristol City)," said Wilson.

"After being told to get a degree behind me, I’m delighted to say that I’ve achieved all my goals, albeit a few years down the line.”

Wilson, who has previously played for Paulton, Gloucester City, Cinderford and Bath City, had expected to begin the 2016-17 season on Weston-Super-Mare’s books, but an offer from National League side Eastleigh saw him sign professional terms ahead of the Hampshire side’s pre-season preparations.

Not only has the speedy striker realised his dream of playing professional football but he also has something that only a minority of professional footballers hold - a degree.

Wilson initially struggled academically but after some tough choices, hard work and help from the teaching staff, he recently graduated, winning a top student award in the process.

“I’m not going to lie; it was a tough road for me academically,” he said.

“I began doing a sports coaching degree but after two years, I didn’t pass so I sat down and changed course.

"I’m delighted to be standing here today as a graduate, and I can’t even put into words how much the help I’ve had has been the key to getting me to where I am today.

“I’m hoping to carry on playing professionally until I retire and then once I’m done with the game, I would love to move into the sports management sector.”

With thousands of players linked to professional clubs released every year, Scott was keen to add: “If there is anyone around who finds themselves in the same position as me - a bit lost after being released by a professional club and not sure what to do – I’d say to them, 'Go and get your degree'.

"And if your goal of getting back into the professional game doesn’t work, then you have a great degree behind you.

If it does work out, even better, and then when your career starts to wind down, you still have that degree to fall back on once you retire from the game.”

Now 23, Scott Wilson has the world at his feet and is targeting the playoffs with Eastleigh.

Wilson will be hoping to feature over the next few games as Eastleigh, who are eighth in the National League, travel to Swindon Town in the FA Cup, before taking on York City, Gateshead, Aldershot, Chester and Maidstone.