Tom Iorpenda: Notts County star on why Messi is Wembley inspiration

A move to Huddersfield when his career was still in its infancy would seem like a terrible move, but Iorpenda didn’t see it that way.

For him it was “only four hours’ drive” from the south coast to the foothills of the Pennines.

“It changed my thinking to be more positive. I could go somewhere else and show people what I can do,” he said.

“I laid back about things and didn’t stress too much. I enjoyed it.”

It was with the Terriers that he added to his reputation as a player capable of breathtaking moments. His audacious free-kick from his own half for Huddersfield’s B team against Brentford’s second string side in 2023 was the best example.

It was a year ago that he signed his first professional contract.

But even as he did so, he revealed a lot about himself when he immediately signed a portion of his earnings to Common Goals – a charity made famous when the World Cup-winning Spain midfielder and former Manchester United and Chelsea player. Juan Mata became the first to take the 1% pledge In 2017.

When Mata joined, he was earning £7 million a year. Hundreds of footballers worldwide, as well as clubs and companies associated with the game, have donated to the cause.

So why, when earning his first real paycheck, did Iorpenda do the same?

“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said.

“My mum is really involved with charities through football. So it seems like that’s basically how I grew up.”

When Iorpenda first worked under Martin Patterson it was at Huddersfield.

When the former Terriers assistant coach was named as Notts County boss this term, he quickly made a case to bring the inexperienced Iorpenda to Meadow Lane.

“He likes to remind me that I was trash before I got here,” laughed Iorpenda, when asked about his relationship with the head coach.

“He has trusted me since the first match and I am trying to repay that with a good performance.

“Whatever happens, I’m forever grateful for what this club has done for me and hopefully I – myself and the team – can help repay Notts with a win on Monday.”