Birmingham loanee Marcel Oakley has revealed his shock after learning Arbroath teammate Bobby Linn was old enough to be his dad.
The 19-year-old has proved to be a hit since joining from the English Championship club on deadline day.
Oakley has had a lot to learn since moving up from England, but the most surprising thing was finding out veteran winger is 18 years his senior.
Linn even made his professional debut before the right-back reached his first birthday.
Linn ‘unreal’
Speaking on the official Arbroath FC podcast, Oakley recalled the moment he discovered the Lichtie legend’s age.
“Coming up here, I didn’t know anything about Bobby Linn,” he said.
“In my first game, I was sitting on the bench chatting to Kareem (Isiaka).
“I said, ‘bro, how old is he?’ Kareem told me he was 36 (now 37).
“I couldn’t believe it. He’s so good for that age, he’s unreal.”
While he may have that father figure on the park, Oakley hailed the ‘family’ atmosphere at Arbroath as he continues to settle into life on the Angus coast.
He may only be with the side until January 7 but is looking to make the most of his time in Scotland before aiming to stake a claim for a place in The Blues first team.
‘Family’ atmosphere at Arbroath
The move is the young Englishman’s first away from home but is loving his first spell away.
He has been visited by his parents once but hasn’t returned to Birmingham since moving north of the border.
Such a change could be daunting for a youngster but Oakley says everyone at the club, and in the town, has made him feel welcome.
“Ian (Campbell) was saying Arbroath is known for being a big family,” he said. “They’ve been great with me.
“They’ve put us in an apartment two minutes away. We get cooked food, dropped at training, extra sessions.
“I couldn’t say a bad word about the club, everything has been great.
“It’s a small place and everyone seems to know everyone.”
Oakley also revealed playing alongside England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
Both are the same age and came through the youth system at the St Andrews club.
Bellingham earned a big move to Germany in 2020 and Oakley said it was clear he was going to be a big star, even from a young age.
“He came through the Academy and we’re the same age. We joined the Blues under 10s.
“Even from that young you knew he was going to be special.
“I don’t speak to him every day but I still see him. Since his big move out there he’s still cool and he’s the same person. He’s not let the fame get to his head.”
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