Content warning: This article contains discussion around suicide and mental health.
When Marcus Rashford steps onto the field for Barcelona in their first La Liga game after the winter break, he might not be the only Englishman making waves in Catalonia. Tyrhys Dolan, once a non-league player for Clitheroe, is now a pivotal figure for Espanyol, a team currently holding fifth place in the league standings. At just 23, Dolan’s journey from the lower tiers of English football to the intensity of the Catalan derby is a testament to his resilience and talent.
This Saturday, Dolan will experience his first Catalan derby, a significant milestone in a career that has been anything but conventional. His story is marked by numerous rejections, periods without a club, and the heart-wrenching loss of his best friend to suicide. Now settled in Barcelona, Dolan reflects on the path that brought him here.
Adapting to Life in Spain
As Dolan orders his coffee in Spanish, it’s clear that his move to Espanyol is about more than just football. “I don’t want to come here and my only takeaway being an improvement in my ability on the pitch,” he explains. “I want to show the supporters that I’m really interested in the culture and the language, and I actually want to connect with them, so they understand me not just as a player but also as a person.”
Dolan’s journey to Espanyol began in July after he declined a contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, ending a five-year tenure at Ewood Park. Blackburn had offered him refuge when he was released by Preston, and he formed deep connections with the club’s community. “They weren’t just colleagues,” Dolan recalls. “They were family.”
The Leap to La Liga
Moving to Spain was a bold decision, especially considering the rarity of English players in La Liga. The last Briton to play for Espanyol was Adrian Heath in 1988. Dolan was drawn to the club’s rich history and passionate fanbase. “Obviously La Liga is one of the best leagues in the world and I can’t really count how many people have gone from the Championship to La Liga,” Dolan notes. “For me, that was a statement in itself – a reward for all the hard work I’ve done.”
Espanyol, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have turned their fortunes around this year, with Dolan playing a crucial role. He has appeared in 16 of their 17 games, starting 13 as a winger, contributing to the team’s impressive record of 10 wins. “It’s been so positive,” Dolan enthuses. “When the football’s going well, everything feels good.”
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
Dolan’s career path has been shaped by challenges, including the tragic loss of his close friend Jeremy Wisten, a fellow footballer who took his own life in 2020. “He was the best person you could meet and we did everything together,” Dolan shares. Wisten’s death had a profound impact on Dolan, who now wears the number 24 in his honor, the date of Wisten’s passing.
In memory of his friend, Dolan has become an ambassador for the Go Again charity, which supports young footballers facing the emotional fallout of being released from academies. “What’s a few minutes of my day?” Dolan asks. “It can last a lifetime for them.”
Looking Ahead
Life in Spain has presented Dolan with new challenges. “The knowledge you’ve got to have going on the pitch and how much you need to remember is so different,” he admits. Despite the hurdles, Dolan has already achieved memorable moments, such as playing at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. “A boy from Broadheath at the Bernabeu,” he says, smiling.
As he prepares for the Catalan derby, Dolan feels the excitement building. “They say you feel it even in the warm-up,” he notes. With family and friends flying in from Manchester, Dolan is determined to make the occasion special. “At the minute, it’s looking like we’ve got about 25 people coming over,” he says. “Half the flight will be everyone from Broadheath – it’ll basically be a Mancunian flight!”
Dolan’s journey from non-league football to the bright lights of La Liga is a story of perseverance and passion. As he continues to make his mark in Spain, his focus remains on embracing every moment and honoring the memory of those who have shaped his path.
