FROM the glitz and razzmatazz of celebrity-ridden Los Angeles to the bright lights of...Bashley.
It doesn’t sound like an easy transition – or one most 22-year-olds would make – but you wouldn’t hear Max Cream complaining.
After a short stop-off in Winton, Cream has found himself plying his trade in the sleepy New Forest, where you are more likely to spot a pony than a movie star.
Despite swapping Sunset Boulevard for the Rising Sun, the local pub, Cream could not be happier with his decision.
The forward, who lists clubs as wide ranging as LA Galaxy, Dundee United, Dunfermline, SV Meppen, Shelbourne and Cleveland City Stars on his cosmopolitan and crammed footballing CV, is enjoying his time at Bashley. And he has no plans to move on any time soon.
Having left the land of paparazzi and the Beckhams for the relative tranquillity of living in Bournemouth, Cream has no regrets.
Chatting to the Echo about his background and ambitions, the man schooled in Hollywood says: “I’ve been in Bournemouth now for three months and I love it.
“This is the worst part of the calendar weather-wise but I think it’s great.
“The people here are nice and it’s busy enough to keep your mind moving, while not too busy like London.
“I’m from California so I like having the beach nearby. Now I’m living in the UK, near a beach, I don’t want to leave any time soon!”
With the topic switching to football, Cream reveals: “I came to Bournemouth, initially because I have family here. I planned to get in touch with the local full-time clubs to see what the possibility of a trial was.
“But when I got here I focused on getting settled in life, rather than sorting clubs out.
“I like Bournemouth so I decided part-time football might be an idea. I sent my CV out and got feedback from Bournemouth Poppies, met them and ended up joining them.
“I was enjoying playing there but when I heard from Kenny Vaughan that Bash were interested – and because I play football because I like the competition and love challenging myself – it was a good move to Bashley.”
Cream has attracted plenty of attention since emerging on the local non-league circuit, initially with Poppies.
Two goals in just four appearances proved enough to persuade Bash boss Steve Riley to swoop.
On watching the much-travelled player make his debut, Riley said: “Max has a bit of pace and an eye for goal, and we’re pleased to be able to work with him because plenty of other clubs wanted him.
“He’s got great pedigree and a great CV and he’s a nice lad. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him at this level and would like to thank Poppies for their help in letting Max come here.”
And Cream, who confirmed he had his two-year deal with American outfit Cleveland City Stars cancelled by mutual consent after sustaining an ankle injury, is intent on richly rewarding Riley’s faith with hard work – then goals.
“I get emails monthly about different clubs I could possibly end up at, but I’ve turned them all away to stay here because I enjoy Bournemouth and I enjoy settling somewhere,” he reveals. “I hope I can stay at Bashley for a while and I hope the team do well.
“First things first, I need to try to establish myself in the team because they have good players and good strikers at Bashley.
“I need to establish myself in a partnership with one of those or work hard enough to get myself in the team. I’m always confident that if I’m playing, then I’ll score. The more I can get near full match fitness, I’ll enjoy helping the team push up the table. I’m excited.”
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