Gogglebox star Tristan Plummer, who appears on the show with brothers Tremaine and Twaine, was once a target for Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea during his teenage years. The Bristolian was a promising prospect in Bristol City's youth academy, catching the eye of top-flight scouts.
Plummer made his FA Youth Cup debut at age 14 or 15 and performed so well that City hid him from Chelsea scouts after the match to prevent them from poaching him. 'There were a few Chelsea scouts watching the game,' he told Bristol Live. 'I ended up doing well and the scouts started coming along.'
Arsenal also made an approach to sign him, but City demanded a high fee—reportedly £1-2 million—despite Plummer not having signed a professional contract. The Gunners instead signed Theo Walcott. 'I remember being in my house and someone ran across with a newspaper saying 'Plummer wanted by Arsenal',' he recalled.
Despite interest from Everton as well, Plummer remained at City but never made a senior appearance. He returned to non-league football in 2010 after loans and bench appearances. Now a TV personality, Plummer has no regrets: 'My happiness is more important. Playing for the academy was the best time of my life.'
