I was delivering parcels for Evri… just eight days later I joined a League One club, after starring in a friendly

JACK HOLMES went from delivering Evri’s delivery driver to delivering crosses in the Football League – incredibly in just EIGHT DAYS.

The 22-year-old, who was briefly involved with Burton as a junior, took up the Halesowen position in the Southern League Premier Division Central last season before switching to rivals Stamford last month.

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Now he is preparing to try and fire Rotherham United for promotion from League One rather than having left the non-league club without even playing competitively for them.

It all started on Friday, July 19th when Steve Evans took his team to Zeeco Stadium in Stamford.

The Millers won 4-2 in a largely forgettable encounter – but it was a potentially transformative day for Holmes.

His goal and assist on a man on the pitch caught the attention of Evans and the Millers’ director of football recruiting, Rob Scott.

Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport, Holmes said: “I’ve always been told you never know who’s watching every time you go there.

“I only played four times for Stamford in pre-season but they were absolutely brilliant, to be honest.

“The manager called me the next morning and said Rotherham wanted to have a look at me and for me to give it a try. That was the first time I heard about it.”

Just four days later he found himself in the lineup for Rotherham against Alfreton Town after securing a trial at the New York Stadium and then came his toughest test.

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On Saturday came his sink-or-swim moment, coming off the bench against a Sheffield United team that largely contained players who were in the Premier League last season.

Just as Sean Bean in the 90s hit When Saturday Comes did in Blades colors, Holmes made the most of the opportunity to go from playing in front of a few hundred fans to an audience of 6,000.

Within minutes he had delivered a brilliant cross for Joe Hungbo to score – and it took even less time after the final whistle for him to secure a contract and turn professional with Rotherham.

Holmes said: “I didn’t really expect to play as much as I did, so when I went in at half-time I didn’t have time to be nervous or anything.

“The deal was closed shortly afterwards and announced that night.

“I worked as a delivery driver for almost two years for Evri. I just deliver the same route every day, so I haven’t changed much from day to day.

“They were really good to me when they offered me the test, which was really nice of them, and they gave me some time off.

“So as soon as I told them I had signed, they were amazed at me. They were great.”

Holmes lived with his parents in Coalville, Leicestershire, but is now preparing to leave them and his girlfriend, who he says has “been a great support” and works in Birmingham, to go and live in South Yorkshire.

“They were all very happy for me as they saw all the ups and downs of my football,” he said.

“For it to finally pay off for me, they were totally delighted.”

Rotherham begin the League season with a derby against Doncaster on Saturday 3 August.

And the striker can’t wait to start providing ammunition to one of the EFL’s most famous and experienced managers.

“It all happened so quickly, but I’m just trying to prepare as much as possible for the season.

“The coach is obviously a big name, but he’s been great and respects the level I’m at.

“He made it really good for me to get to this level and made me really comfortable.

“He also told me what he expects from me and it’s been great working with him so far.

“As you level up, you have to wait for the manager to demand higher levels, so now I have to demand them of myself.”