Cameron Humphreys: Playing against Arsenal brought back City youth memories
Getting the chance to play against Arsenal brought back memories for Cameron Humphreys, who grew up at Manchester City. Even with Port Vale struggling near the bottom of League One, they gave Arsenal a proper battle in the Carabao Cup third round in October. Humphreys felt the first goal was lucky and said: “I honestly don’t think they bothered us as much as I thought they would. It was 2-0 against a top team. You see what they do to sides in Europe. I’m proud of our performance, really.”
Humphreys also made two FA Cup cameos for Manchester City in 2015/16. “It was unreal,” he recalls. “It feels like absolute donkey’s years ago now. I’m 27 but feel like an old man because I started so young. They’re proud memories. Playing against Arsenal a few weeks ago brought that back. Full stadiums, great atmosphere. It was really exciting and a bit of a throwback for me.”
Rob Street believes he can find ruthless streak again
Rob Street has been a regular for Lincoln City, who are competing near the top of League One, but he has not yet replicated the goalscoring form he showed on loan at Doncaster Rovers last season. At Doncaster he scored 12 in 22 as they won League Two; this season his performances have been solid but goals have been scarcer, though he did score against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
“I think there were a few different reasons,” Street says. “Confidence is massive in football. When you’re on a run and playing well, you almost feel invincible every time you step on the pitch. You know you’ll get chances and score goals. We had a strong, together group at Doncaster, a bit like what we’ve got here. If we can stick together and keep performing, it can be a similar situation to what it was like at Doncaster last season, and I don’t see why it can’t be. As a player, the best thing you can have is belief in yourself, and I’ve definitely tried to bring that into this season. I’m constantly learning. Different roles, different teams, and trying to be as impactful as possible.”
Tom Barkhuizen: Preston was where I played my best football
Aged 32 and now at Barrow, Tom Barkhuizen reflects on his time at Preston North End from 2017 to 2022 as the best period of his career. “Preston was where I played my best football and had the most enjoyment,” he says. “I probably only realised that after leaving. When you’re in your 20s, you’re constantly chasing progress and sometimes forget to enjoy it. Looking back, that was the best five or six years of my career – great team, great manager, great atmosphere. When I retire, I’ll look back on that period with a lot of pride.”
After a difficult final season at Derby with limited games, Barkhuizen says he’s enjoying being a regular at Barrow. “I wanted to come somewhere I could make a difference, whether that’s on the pitch or as an older player in the dressing room. I feel like I’ve got that here. I’ve started every game since the first of the season, and I’m trying to be a leader off the pitch and help us progress.”
Jack Lankester: Travelling with the team while injured helped keep the buzz alive
Injury struck at a bad time for Jack Lankester after his move to Crewe Alexandra; he was sidelined for most of 2025. Even while absent, he stayed involved by travelling with the team to maintain the matchday buzz. “I did a lot of travelling with the team at the end of last year and the start of this one before I was even back playing,” he says. “I spoke to the gaffer about it because it keeps the buzz of the game alive. Staying at home and watching on TV would’ve made me feel worse, but being there and helping however I could made me feel better. I tried to bring as much energy and positivity as I could on matchdays. I’d act like I was still part of the squad, up for selection even though I wasn’t.”
Now 25, Lankester says moving away from home with Crewe has helped him mature. “It’s all new experiences, living on your own and adapting. Some of the other lads like Max Sanders are in the same boat, and we help each other out. We’re both southerners living up north, but I’m enjoying it.”
Jamie Walker on his coaching journey and Hearts hopes
Jamie Walker, 32, continues to contribute on the pitch for Grimsby Town while beginning to prepare for life after playing. He has started a coaching project in Bradford and recently completed his B Licence. “I enjoy coaching,” Walker says. “As I’ve got older, I’ve started thinking about what comes after football. After getting promoted with Bradford, I stayed in the area and thought it was a good opportunity to pass on my knowledge to kids. It’s still early days. We’ve only been going for a few months, but I’m really enjoying it.”
Walker’s son is a Hearts fan, and Walker remains fond of the Scottish club where he began his career. “I’ve seen them start well before and then fall back, but they’ve made a great start this season. They’ve signed good players and have a strong manager, so hopefully this is the year they achieve something special.”
Saturday’s EFL fixtures
Every game is live on Sky Sports+ and the Sky Sports app, with free highlights on the Sky Sports app shortly after full-time. 3pm kick-offs unless stated.
League One
– Burton vs Blackpool
– Leyton Orient vs Exeter
– Lincoln vs Doncaster
– Luton vs Rotherham
– Port Vale vs Wycombe
League Two
– Accrington vs Bristol Rovers
– Bromley vs Barrow
– Cambridge vs Barnet
– Fleetwood vs Swindon
– Grimsby vs Chesterfield
– MK Dons vs Salford
– Notts County vs Harrogate
– Oldham vs Crewe
– Shrewsbury vs Newport
– Tranmere vs Cheltenham
– Walsall vs Colchester
– Gillingham vs Crawley (5.30pm)