Three years ago Shaun Want’s career was going nowhere. Apart from Peterhead on loan.
But incredibly, as 2024 comes to an end he can reflect on trips to the likes of Kosovo, Norway, Slovenia, Belarus and Gibraltar. Not to mention big European games against top clubs from Switzerland and Belgium. And it was one decision that changed everything. One dive into the unknown.
One leap of faith to save his career. When Want was offered a deal at Larne FC in Northern Ireland he was immediately against it. After all, he had been at Hamilton from the age of. It was familiar. They might have been getting beat most weeks – but the stadium wasn’t far from his house in Glasgow’s south side. So why change?
But as he pondered his future following a loan spell at Balmoor Stadium, something told him to take the plunge and throw off his Accies’ security blanket. Want hoped it would offer him new opportunities but he couldn’t have predicted his life would change. Since signing for Larne he has become a double title-winner. And, more importantly, a UEFA Conference League player.
This season the County Antrim outfit became the first club from Northern Ireland to reach the group phase of a European competition. And 10 days ago they secured the result they craved at that level by seeing off Belgian cracks Gent.
Want is still trying to compute what Nathan Rooney’s side have achieved. But he’s sure of one thing. Going there was the best decision he has ever made.
In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, the 27-year-old defender said: “I was at a stage of my career and life where I was just comfortable at Hamilton. I had been there so long. It was easy for me. I’d go into training every day and maybe not play at the weekend.
“But it was close by. And I knew all the boys and the coaches. I’d been there my whole life. But it got to the point where I had to make a decision. I’d bought my first house and, a month later, my agent said there was interest from a club in Northern Ireland.
“I wasn’t sure. But after a chat with my girlfriend and family I thought it might be something new, a fresh start. I was going stale at Hamilton. But when I finally made the decision to go to Larne, not once did I think it would turn out like this. I’ve won two titles and played in the group stage of the Conference League in Europe.
“Looking back, it’s the best decision I’ve made in my career. I don’t have one regret. It has changed my life, absolutely. Football-wise and personally too. When you’re a footballer and you’re not playing every week it affects you mentally.
“At Accies I’d go home having got beat or not played and it would ruin your weekend. Moving to Larne changed all of that. Suddenly I was winning games and competing for trophies. That helps you, not just as a player but in your life away from football because you’re happier.”
Want understands why players in Scotland are reluctant to ply their trade elsewhere. When you’ve grown up in a certain environment, around pals and team-mates, it’s not easy to head off and explore. But he has urged more people here to open their eyes and broaden their horizons.
He said: “There are a lot of young boys in Scotland who get too comfortable. My first instinct when my agent mentioned moving was no. It was away from my missus and my family. It was going into the unknown. Every instinct makes you not want to do it.
“You automatically think it won’t be the same and that you’ll miss your mates too much. But when you get there, after a few weeks you realise how refreshing it is. Sometimes a change is the best thing for you in life and it certainly was the case with me. I’ve improved as a player. That’s because I have been competing at the top of a league and playing in European matches.
“Larne’s style of play has helped as well. The mentality drilled into us from the manager is to win every game. That makes you more confident.
“At Hamilton, when you’re getting beat most weeks, it leaves you low on confidence. The move has made me express myself more on the pitch. I enjoy winning and that’s a great habit to get into.”
Which is why Want now has no desire to give it up. But he has experienced enough to know how unpredictable this game can be. And if he has to consider a new challenge elsewhere, there won’t be the same trepidation he felt back in 2022.
Want, who along with partner Ainsley has just become a parent to eight-week old baby daughter Amelia, said: “My contract at Larne is up at the end of the season. I’m happy at the club. I’ve had three years here.
“But circumstances dictate things and my newborn baby is living in Scotland. So I’ll have to weigh up my options and see what’s best for me and my family. I’m a different person now to the one that left Hamilton. I have a different outlook.
“The last three years have opened up my eyes to things in football and life. I’ve relished this challenge at Larne and it has changed me for the better. I’m 27 and coming into my best years as a defender. I always had injury issues with my quad but last year I met a specialist, got it operated on and I’ve never had a problem since then. So all of that is behind me and I feel I’ve got a lot left to give – whether that’s at Larne or somewhere else.”