There's only 3 Ameobi's

Whenever an English footballer leaves the comfort of the British Isles to ply their trade in another country it’s always intrigued me. Why did they leave? What wasn’t right about playing here? What’s so great about going elsewhere? Answers to these questions are obvious in some cases; Owen to Madrid for example was a fantastic opportunity for him to play for arguably one of the greatest clubs in the world.

What about the players from lower leagues or even non-league that are presented with an opportunity to make a name for themselves abroad though? Why do they travel all those miles to forge a career in the sport?

One story that has always baffled me is the plight of Tomi Ameobi, brother of Shola and Sammy who currently play for the team I support, Newcastle United. Tomi now finds himself playing over in Iceland, having previously played for my local team Forest Green Rovers in the Blue Square Premier, and I’ve always wanted to know – how did that ever happen?! Fortunately I was given the opportunity to ask Tomi some questions about his career so far and how it all came about.

RH: Living in Stroud I’ve supported Forest Green Rovers for a long time. How would you describe your time at FGR? 

TA: At first it was a bit of a culture shock going from league to non-league football, the style of play varied a lot but I quickly settled into life on and off the field. Results didn't always go our way on the field but I would say we were one of the better footballing sides in the league. 

RH: How does a player go from playing in England to playing in Iceland? How did the move come about?

TA: I'm still trying to work that one out myself!!! It was totally out of the blue, I had been out of football for over a year with a few injuries and couldn't really see a way back into football but thankfully my details were passed on to Nick McCreery and the rest is history now.

RH: When you first learned of the opportunity did you have any hesitation in leaving England?

TA: I think I was more worried about whether I would be able to get back to a professional standard of football more than actually leaving home. My family were behind me all the way so that made the move relatively easy.

RH: What did your brothers think of the move?

TA: They were pleased for me to get back playing again, they've always backed me and said I have what it takes to play football. To be honest I think they're a tad jealous that I get to live abroad, they've been in Newcastle their whole lives.

RH: Have they had a chance to come out and watch you play? 

TA: Not yet, I'm hoping Sammy comes out this summer for a few days. It’s harder for Shols as he now has a family of his own.

RH: You scored on your debut against ÍR. Scoring a goal in your first game is always great but to score your first goal in another country must have been something special for you? 

TA: It was such a big relief; I wasn't really renowned for goal scoring before coming out to Iceland. So to score on my debut definitely settled a few nerves.

RH: Take us through the goal – I’m sure you can remember every second of it! 

TA: We were 1-0 down at the time, I already had a goal disallowed in the first half and missed another good chance. If I remember correctly it was a great corner from Nicky Deverdics flicked on and I nodded it in at the back post.

RH: How does the Icelandic style of football differ to that of the English game? 

TA: It isn't as direct as the English game is and teams out here tend to pride themselves on build up play. The leagues out in Iceland are on the up, I'm sure this season that the competition will be tough.

RH: How does the quality of football compare to your time in the Non-league in England?

TA: The tempo is slower in Iceland, teams sit off and let each other have the ball which can be frustrating at times. There are players in non-league who could make the step up but chances are hard to come by these days.

RH: A few English players have found themselves playing football in Iceland over the last few years such as Dean Martin and Nicky Deverdics. What’s the attraction? 

TA: For me it was the chance to come over and play regular football week in week out and I'm sure it is the same for the other lads as well but there are other perks such as the quality of life, embracing another culture and most importantly the standard of naturally beautiful girls which are few and far between at home!!!!!

RH: Generally you don’t see many players leave the British Isle’s to ply their trade abroad. Why do you think that is?

TA: The English leagues are probably the most attractive out there at the minute so I can see why a lot of players would want to stay at home but at the same time competition is stiff. Others find it hard to leave family and friends behind.

RH: One last question: who do you think will score more Newcastle goals in their career – Shola or Sammy?

TA: You’re asking me to split my loyalties here....Sammy!! Sorry Shols!

Tomi isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last player to give it a go abroad if it offers them the chance to play regular football again, it seems like a sensible idea. Who wouldn’t want to have the opportunity to build a football career if you really love the sport, even if it is away from home?

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tomi’s agent, Nick McCreery, for giving me the chance to ask these questions and finally get some answers that I’ve always wanted.

I wish Tomi good luck with his career in Iceland and I’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on his progress.