I’m an SPFL star – my tattoos stopped me from getting my dream job
KYLE VASSELL could have done business at the stock exchange instead of in the park – if it weren’t for his TATTOOS.
The Kilmarnock forward was released from Brentford in 2011 and was planning a new career in mixed martial arts.
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A buddy from the gym arranged a Work Interview for him with a stockbroker but they were put off by his Body Art.
It was a sliding doors moment for Vassell, but he insists he has no regrets because they help tell the story of his life in ink.
He said, “The tattoos all mean something. Maybe not the best of things, but they all mean something.
“It’s a part of my life that has made me who I am. I don’t regret it and I wouldn’t change it. I rolled with it even though it cost me.
“When I was sacked by Brentford, I was there mma back then, and there was a guy at the gym who was a stockbroker.
“He said he could get me an interview, there was no salary but I could earn Money from the commissions of easy sales.
“I got a suit, I looked like this. I went in there and the first question was just about my grades, especially math.
“So when they asked why I wasn’t very good at math SchoolI told them.
“The second question was, ‘Explain your tattoos.’
“And then the third was ‘thank you.’ That was it!
“I don’t think neck tattoos were as common back then as they are now, but they definitely got me a job as a stockbroker.
“At the same time, if I had gotten this job, who knows where I would be today.
“Well, I have no regrets about it. It’s all part of my story.”
In the latest chapter, Vassell currently sees life in Kilmarnock.
He joined from San Diego Loyal in January and has signed a new contract Ayrshire until 2025.
Boss Derek McInnes brings his fighters to their first post-split game in Motherwell on Saturday, which is still stuck in the relegation playoff spot – but four points ahead of Ross County, which is bottom of the table.
Vassell was unaware the split existed when he joined and even suggested that his girlfriend Jasmine book a May Vacation because he thought the season was over now.
But despite having to put his sun break on hold, he thinks he has three of his last four games with him rugby park can only help them Survive Bid.
Vassell, 30, added: “My girlfriend was a big part of my decision live up here.
“I had to make sure she would be comfortable. You can see how happy I was with mine football.
“She’s seen that I’ve not been doing too well over the years and she’s been 100 per cent supportive of me.
“She was just as happy as me to extend my stay.
“But this post-split stuff is all very new to me. I’ve never known anything like this.
“When I signed, I looked at the schedule and said to her, ‘Babe, the season ends in April, so we can sign up for the first week of May.’
“I really didn’t realize there were five extra games!
“The games are really good for us but even if they weren’t I would still be confident we can stay up there.
“It’s a brilliant idea. It balances how often you play against teams, which is good.
“I personally think they should put more teams in the Premier League and do it that way.
“But the way the league is structured, it’s an exciting format.
“Every game is important and they all mean something. I can’t wait to get in the games.
“The fans have been brilliant for us. I don’t think they understand how important they are sometimes.
“You really can be a 12th Man in games.”
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