This is a story of perseverance against the odds, of one man's desire to succeed and the lengths that a burning ambition will carry an individual.
In an era when many footballers are regarded as pampered and luxuriated individuals, nobody could accuse New Zealand striker Kris Bright of an easy ride.
He has played in Holland, Norway and Greece, had trials at Kilmarnock and Norwich and spent several months as a 16-year-old at Gillingham.
Still only 22, the Kiwi international finally fulfilled his long-held ambition to play in England after signing a two-year deal with League Two Shrewsbury in the summer.
Bright (black and grey shirt) in action for the New Zealand Knights
As Bright told me: "If there was a Champions League team on the moon that wanted to sign me, I would go there."
Bright's father Dave was born in England but moved to New Zealand and represented his adopted country in the 1982 World Cup
Son Kris played the game from an early age but in rugby-obsessed NZ the standard back home was poor and the young striker played a few years above his own age group.
"It is difficult coming out of New Zealand because we are so far away from everything but it was my aim from a young age to come to England," said Bright.
"To do this I had to look at any opportunities that came my way."
Bright's first attempt came when he was barely out of school and took him 12,000 miles to Gillingham. Darren Hare, a friend of a friend of the youngster's father, was head of youth development at the Priestfield Stadium.
Several DVDs of the striker in action persuaded the Gills to take a closer look and Bright spent a few months playing for the youth team. Financial problems ended his first foray into European football - and it proved a foretaste of what lay ahead. Link...
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