Joe Morrell: Ex-Wales and Portsmouth midfielder relishing new life as a coach

As a player, Morrell made more than 100 appearances for Portsmouth, while he also feature for Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Luton Town.

He won 37 caps for Wales and played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

But he last appeared in January 2024 when he suffered knee cartilage damage and after months of rehab was released by Portsmouth at the end of that season.

He spent another year trying to get back to playing, failing three medicals at three clubs last summer before eventually calling time on his career in October.

“It’s something I’m at peace with now,” Morrell said.

“It was difficult at the time but anyone who’s close to me, anyone who knows what I’ve been through the last couple of years will understand there was definitely an element of relief when I made the decision and could get my life back in my own hands.”

What has helped him make the transition into life post-football is that he knew coaching was something he wanted to go into, even if it has come around a lot earlier than he expected.

He completed his Uefa A Licence with the Football Association of Wales and is working towards his Pro Licence – the highest coaching certificate – while with Bristol City.

Yet walking back into the club where barely a decade ago Morrell was one of the teenage players he is now coaching – where many other staff still remain from his time – took a little getting used to.

“It’s strange and when I first came back in it took me a couple of weeks to get over that because these guys have coached me before, and it’s not 20, 30 years before, it’s 10 years ago,” he said.

“I’ve been in these lads’ shoes very recently and I think that helps me to relate to them.”