Just noticed that Osei Sankofa is now playing for Borehamwood in the Conference South. I watched his debut (as a sub) at Old Trafford when he was 18. This was a player who was capped for England at u16, u17, u18, u19 and u20 age-levels. He was on Charlton's books for five years as a full professional before he was released so people must have believed in him bigtime both at the FA and at Charlton. He didn't have problems with his weight or temperament, as far as I know, and I am unaware of any career-crippling injuries. He got that harsh ban for a debatable foul on RVP then an extra game suspension for a "frivolous" appeal but that was hardly his fault. Now 26, he should be at the height of his career and playing, at the very least, Div One football, but here he is three tiers lower. What happens to a player to make his career slowly melt away like that? Is it physical changes, psychological, or what?
hes still available on a free transfer so the pfa site says good player when with us worth having a look at again
Interesting post, suppose in some cases you need a bit of luck? Maybe when he was with us we had a stronger squad and it was decided his 1st team chances would have been limited. The fact he is now 26 makes me feel old! Lots of questions which you won't necessarily get answers too but shall spark a debate ;-)
I always thought he, Campbell-Ryce and Sam would "make" it with us. Turns out just one got a real chance with us in the end.
Campbel-Ryce I thought lacked strength to perform at the highest level, impressed me at first but that soon faded. Sam frustrated me.
JCR was brilliant for Barnsley in the championship, and initially at Bristol. He just joined at the wrong time as that was when Johnson started to lose the dressing room. I know he was a player we tried to get last September/October time on loan- but for whatever reason it didn't happen. Don't know his situation now, but have no doubts he would be brilliant of he resigned.
I reckon Sankofa just wasn't quite good enough. He looked like a promising youngster for us, but a lot of people don't make that jump from promising youngster to true talent, and if he didn't improve then he certainly wouldn't have been good enough to make it. A bit like Solly but without the strength and ridiculous ability in the air for a short guy.
I always thought he looked out of his depth even in the championship for us, looked poor every time i saw him play for south end as well. An example of another youth team player we kept far to long when it was obvious he wasn't going to make it.
Have to admit it seems Jamal Campbell-Ryce has gone quiet these days. Had a good couple of years @ Barnsley, yet I've not heard much of him since he went Bristol City, though that could be to do with the fact we only heard about him because of their FA Cup run - Brian Howard is a perfect example of that...
I remember his header which helped send Darren Bent clear in the 2-1 win over Portsmouth towards the end of the 05/06 season (possibly won of our last wins under Curbishley). Surprised to see him so low now, but that's often the way with 'bright young prospects'.