Football: Fallen star takes the university challenge
Barry Lavety is studying at Bath after dropping out of the pro ranks but he's back in the limelight after helping their team into the FA Cup. Dominic O'Reilly reports
The FA Cup always throws up great stories, but a former Scotland youth international playing for an English university coached by an octogenarian Welshman in this Saturday's first round has got to be one of the strangest. Team Bath came through five qualifying rounds to become the first university side for 122 years to play in the competition proper. They were helped by the coaching skills of Ivor Powell, an 86-year-old former Welsh international who was Stanley Matthews' best man, and the goals of Barry Lavety ... yes, that Barry Lavety.
The once rising star of Scottish football who took a few wrong turns on his road to the top, encountering weight problems, injuries and an infamous positive test for ecstasy. While the local and London media buzzed around the training session Lavety, who scored a hat-trick in the second qualifying round against Bemerton Heath Harlequins, was having some physio on a knock he picked up against Exeter University. He will be fit for the FA Cup game against second division Mansfield Town which offers him a return to the public eye.
The incredible comeback and unique opportunity
The most amazing part of the story is not that, at the tender age 28, a player who promised so much during spells at St Mirren and then Hibernian, should be reduced to turning out for a university team. The real shock is that Lavety is actually at university. Then again, Team Bath are not a bunch of academics who got lucky but are a semi-professional outfit which plays in the Screwfix Direct Western Football League and scout talented players who have drifted out of the professional game, offering them both a route back and an education. It is a similar idea to the American system except that those at Bath are expected to do their studies.
A world-class sporting institution
They are based at a centre of sporting excellence that includes 11 sports besides football and whose sportsmen brought back 17 medals from this year's Commonwealth Games. Impressive, but when the Bath footballers face Mansfield in front of the Sky cameras it will be a huge day for the university with temporary seating raising the capacity of its ground from a few hundred to 6,000.
Barry Lavety's perspective
'The media coverage has been phenomenal,' said Lavety. 'I've never seen anything like it, even when I was at Hibs playing Rangers. Usually at the league games it's been very quiet, but hopefully with the cup run, we'll get the students coming out more. It's going to be very, very difficult against Mansfield, but if we play to our capabilities, we've got a chance.'
When Oxford University won the FA Cup twice in the 1870s, many teams would rely heavily on Scottish professionals, so it is fitting that Lavety should be there for Bath, but even he is surprised about it.
Balancing academics and football
'I didn't really know anything about them. A year ago nearly, I was sitting doing nothing then they called me up and asked me down here,' Lavety said. He went to the university for some rehabilitation for an injury but decided to stay on to play and take a Coach Education course that he hopes will give him a future when he retires.
'There's not a lot of money left in the game up in Scotland and at the end of each season, I've been back on the dole, so I thought I'd come and get a bit of education,' he said. 'It used to be a club looked after you, but now it's cutthroat.'
Hotels and Accommodation
Hotels near Bath University
If you're planning a visit to Bath University to catch the exciting FA Cup match or any other event, it's essential to find suitable accommodation for your stay. Fortunately, there are several excellent hotels near Bath University that offer comfort and convenience.
1. The Bath Priory Hotel
Located a short distance from the university, The Bath Priory Hotel provides luxury accommodation with beautiful gardens and stunning views. This five-star hotel offers elegant rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a relaxing spa, making it a perfect choice for a memorable stay.
2. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Situated in the heart of Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star hotel housed in a historic Georgian building. The hotel's elegant rooms, exquisite dining options, and tranquil spa create a haven of relaxation and indulgence. It's just a short drive away from Bath University.
3. Combe Grove Hotel
If you prefer a peaceful countryside setting, the Combe Grove Hotel is an ideal option. Nestled within 76 acres of woodland and gardens, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and a range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool and tennis courts.
4. The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Located in the center of Bath, The Gainsborough Bath Spa combines historic charm with contemporary luxury. This five-star hotel features stylish rooms, a world-class spa, and an award-winning restaurant. It's within easy reach of Bath University, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
5. Holiday Inn Express Bath
If you're looking for affordable accommodation without compromising on quality, the Holiday Inn Express Bath is a great option. Situated a short distance from the university, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Bath's attractions.
Whether you're a football enthusiast attending the FA Cup match or simply visiting Bath University, these hotels provide a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
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