Photo Credit: BBC Sport
Ex Non-League Defender Ibrahim Thomas Tells Young Players To Embrace Football Abroad
Former non-league defender Ibrahim Thomas has advised young footballers to take the chance to play outside their home country, describing it as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his own career.
Thomas, whose journeyman career saw him feature for a host of English non-league sides including Shaw Lane, Stafford Rangers, Frickley Athletic, Mickleover and Stocksbridge Park Steels, enjoyed his longest spell during his second stint at Brighouse Town between 2020 and 2023.
The well-travelled defender has also played in Belgium, Canada and the United States, so much so that he says he has lost count of the number of clubs he has represented.
“Not at all. There’s definitely been too many to count,” Thomas said.
While admitting that some of his moves were driven by financial gain rather than sporting progression, Thomas insists that adapting to new environments, different coaches and varied football philosophies was priceless.
“It’s been a good experience but it could have been better. I moved up or went sideways for more money,” he explained.
“But playing in different countries was a great experience and I would encourage all young players to go and experience that if they get a chance. I worked under different coaches with different ideas and philosophies.”
Thomas also opened up on how his career almost ended in 2013 due to a serious groin injury. At the time, he was working in a call centre in Rotherham and was even considering joining the army before he got a lifeline to join Canadian side Thunder Bay Chill in Ontario.
Earlier in his career, while at Stocksbridge Park Steels, he played against Jamie Vardy when the Leicester City legend was still at Halifax Town, before his famous rise to win the Premier League and play for England.
Source: PunchNG / BBC Sport –