Andrew Omobamidele D Strasbourg (loan from Notts Forest) b.2002

[pineapple stu]

I mean, if posters think suggesting Obafemi and Idah have poor scoring records or that Bazunu has a poor xG stat is racist, then **** me, we're through the looking glass here.

I've said plenty of times before I like Omobamidele as a player, based in particular on that Serbia home game. He was excellent in it. But it's three years ago now and he's not done a huge amount since. I'll acknowledge from the video he was less to blame for the goal than I remember - though he's pretty crap for it, and I think he had a brain fart later in the half that nearly cost us a goal too - but ultimately the question was "Is he worth a place in the squad at the moment?" and I find it telling no-one is bothering to mount any sort of argument in his defence. (And yes, he's only 22 before we get the usual suggestion that he's being written off...)

[tetsujin1979]

Arguably he shouldn't have been in the squad in the first place, that was his first minutes of competitive football since the previous August

[Razors left peg]

Arguably he shouldn't have been in the squad in the first place, that was his first minutes of competitive football since the previous August

Looking at the bench again there was only Dara O'Shea as a replacement center half so there must have been a lot of injuries? I don't really remember right now, but Duffy starting, let alone being captain was far more egregious than Omobamidele being in the squad.

My personal opinion is that Omobamidele will end up being the best of all our current defenders, he's still prone to mistakes but that'll improve as he ages

[Acornvilla]

I think at his best, which we've only seen glimpses of, he could be our best Centre back in decades, his injury record and game time for the last few years may already have stunted the player he could have been, but really hoping he can get a run of games this year to see what he's really made of and what level he can achieve, there's a wonderful player in there if his body is able for it.

I vaguely remember Kenny saying something about the NZ game, that he gave a few people who needed game time, or who always showed for squads when asked but didn't get on the pitch as much as they'd like, a chance because he wanted to help/reward them. Also totally disagree with Duffy playing in that one, was happy enough to see Andrew get his chance as he was someone who desperately needed minutes for his career in general.

[Stuttgart88]

Look, I am not saying any of the following is legit but I think what is being suggested by some of the recent posts is that you are unduly harsh in your assessment of black Irish players, compared to others, to a point where it is worth tabling. Its been suggested to me offline. I'm not going to entertain it but you should know so you can respond.
FWIW, it's been pointed out to me too, and outside of the group of posters here who I'd have contact with outside foot.ie.

[ifk101]

1727075175387329014

I’ve watched it again a few times and still scratching my head as to what McClean was up to. If he held his position when the NZ attacker gets the ball there’s no immediate danger. Best NZ could do here is play a ball into the second NZ attacker heading to the corner (who is tracked by Cullen) or recycle the ball. But McClean showed his attacker the inside, and when his attacker went inside, McClean still could have blocked the run but instead chose to loop his run to the outside?

[pineapple stu]

Arguably he shouldn't have been in the squad in the first place, that was his first minutes of competitive football since the previous August
Exactly my original point. (Albeit as RLP notes I think there was an injury crisis for that one). He was off the pace in that game (that's mentioned by others in the match thread), and was poor for the goal in particular, when he may as well not have been there, albeit I acknowledge it wasn't as glaringly decisive as I remember. And if he continues to not get his game at Forest, is he ahead of (in no particular order) O'Shea, O'Brien, Egan, Duffy, Scales, McGuinness, Lenihan and even Dunne at the moment? I don't think so.

But to jump from there to suggesting it's racist to say that Obafemi has an attitude problem/Idah doesn't score enough goals/Bazunu doesn't keep enough out - that's disgraceful stuff to be quite honest. A lot of posters criticised Festy for his cameos recently - I presume that was racism too?

Couple of posters want to have a bit of a look at themselves here.

[Stuttgart88]

But to jump from there to suggesting it's racist to say that Obafemi has an attitude problem/Idah doesn't score enough goals/Bazunu doesn't keep enough out - that's disgraceful stuff to be quite honest. A lot of posters criticised Festy for his cameos recently - I presume that was racism too?
Persistent micro nit-picking would be the catalyst, not general criticism. But rebuke accepted, it was just being pointed out that questions have been asked, partially in jest but wrapped around a kernel of seriousness.

[OMTY]

If the Joe Worral transfer goes ahead that would leave Forest with 4 Senior centre backs from what I can see? Surely good for Andy's minutes this season.

[Jolly Red Giant]

If the Joe Worral transfer goes ahead that would leave Forest with 4 Senior centre backs from what I can see? Surely good for Andy's minutes this season.
They are selling Worral because they have Omobamidele

[Eirambler]

Another centre back in at Forest, not ideal for Omobamidele when he already wasn't starting.

[Predator]

They signed 23-year-old Morato from Benfica. A highly rated, 6'4" Brazilian centre-back who was reportedly valued at €70m and wanted by Spurs not too long ago. You'd imagine that's him slipping even further down the pecking order.

[Eirambler]

It's a bit clichéd to say it at this point, but Omobamidele is definitely one who could have done with a couple of years on the continent. Then could have come back as a higher profile, more developed player and moved into a starting position in England if he wanted to.

[ColourfulPeanut]

It's a bit clichéd to say it at this point, but Omobamidele is definitely one who could have done with a couple of years on the continent. Then could have come back as a higher profile, more developed player and moved into a starting position in England if he wanted to.

Like Festy, Abankwah, Jack Byrne, Liam Kerrigan, Dan Crowley etc?

The fabled "continent" doesn't magically make you a better player. Just because Jake O'Brien did well at Lyon doesn't mean anything for anybody else. English football isn't holding our players back, their ability is.

[John83]

I mostly agree, but there are definitely players who either make a bad decision or through a bit of bad luck wind up stuck in a backup role. It's the risk they take every time a player tries to take a step up. He'll be getting good coaching at Forest, but he'd probably be improving more by playing at least semi-regularly. I think he'd have been as well at Norwich as anywhere on the continent, but that's easy to say in hindsight.

[seanfhear]

Like Festy, Abankwah, Jack Byrne, Liam Kerrigan, Dan Crowley etc?

The fabled "continent" doesn't magically make you a better player. Just because Jake O'Brien did well at Lyon doesn't mean anything for anybody else. English football isn't holding our players back, their ability is.
Reality ~ ~ Who really wants to live in reality ? !

[Eirambler]

Like Festy, Abankwah, Jack Byrne, Liam Kerrigan, Dan Crowley etc?

The fabled "continent" doesn't magically make you a better player. Just because Jake O'Brien did well at Lyon doesn't mean anything for anybody else. English football isn't holding our players back, their ability is.

I generally agree with you actually, I think the "move to the continent" thing gets thrown around far too much. But Omobamidele is one I would probably make an exception to that position for. He's almost too much of a footballing centre back for the Championship, but maybe a year or two away from being ready to start week in week out in the Premier League. Which is why I think a move to a league that's stronger and more technical than the Championship, but not quite as strong as the Premier League might suit him in particular.

[liamoo11]

It's a bit clichéd to say it at this point, but Omobamidele is definitely one who could have done with a couple of years on the continent. Then could have come back as a higher profile, more developed player and moved into a starting position in England if he wanted to.

I'm sure he took the move that paid him the most with the longest contract and that was forest.

[Eirambler]

Of course. I don't think there were necessarily any other options even available at the time. That's not the point I'm making - what I'm saying is he's not quite ready to hold down a Premier League starting place yet and he needs games at a decent level to help him continue to develop. He won't be getting many between now and January anyway I suspect.

There's such a big jump now from the Championship to the Premier League, it's a problem because players fall into the gap and end up not playing much. Will likely happen to Omobamidele, Manning, Taylor, maybe McAteer for the next few months.

[liamoo11]

Of course. I don't think there were necessarily any other options even available at the time. That's not the point I'm making - what I'm saying is he's not quite ready to hold down a Premier League starting place yet and he needs games at a decent level to help him continue to develop. He won't be getting many between now and January anyway I suspect.

There's such a big jump now from the Championship to the Premier League, it's a problem because players fall into the gap and end up not playing much. Will likely happen to Omobamidele, Manning, Taylor, maybe McAteer for the next few months.

I agree with that . What drives me insane is the talk from some posters(not you) that irish players somehow are naive children who end up at clubs against their will when in reality players are ambitious driven young men who have through their own ability and hard work made it as professional footballers and who make career choices based on money and longterm security just like most of the rest of us

[pineapple stu]

Linked with a January loan move to Leeds per the Telegraph.

Has only made the bench four times this season - I think injury has been part, but not all, of that - but with Forest bizarrely up to third in the table, they're managing just fine without him, and a loan move may be no harm

[Snapshot]

Linked with a January loan move to Leeds per the Telegraph.

Has only made the bench four times this season - I think injury has been part, but not all, of that - but with Forest bizarrely up to third in the table, they're managing just fine without him, and a loan move may be no harm
His career to date has been a spectacular anti-climax. Since his strong performance away to Portugal, his only spark has been a five-year Forest contract. They paid circa £11m.

The same could be said for £17m Jake O'Brien at Everton.

Meanwhile, Adam Idah - his best game for Ireland was also in Portugal - is currently as occasional a starter in the god-awful SPFL. He cost £9.5m, probably the most expensive Championship benchwarmer ever.

That's £37.5m for not much return.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, O'Brien's been another disappointing transfer alright. But another one where arguably the results on the pitch justify the current team selection - only the top six have conceded fewer goals than Everton, and three of those have conceded just one fewer. 7 clean sheets in their last 11 games. Their problems are at the other end of the pitch.

That said, with Lyon's current problems, O'Brien probably didn't have much say in his departure, and he's at least assured his salary will be paid.

[Eirambler]

Last season was such a massive step forward for O'Brien that I kind of feel as though he's still ahead of where most thought he'd be by now. And at least he's making the bench unlike Omobamidele.

Omobamidele is maybe more disappointing because initial expectations were higher for him. But he is also a year younger so he does have time on his side and a good loan in January could turn things around for him fairly quickly.

[Rayzor]

That said, with Lyon's current problems, O'Brien probably didn't have much say in his departure, and he's at least assured his salary will be paid.

But lyon spent the money they received for Jake and added another 10m to sign his replacement Niakhate from forest who is 5 yrs older. The whole Jake O brien transfer makes no sense for Everton or Lyon.

[elatedscum]

Lyon’s owner was trying to buy Everton and therefore gave Everton favourable deals. 1) O’Brien was wanted by a host of teams and Everton got a favourable deal on the fee. 2) Lyon bought Mangala for £20m this summer having spent £10m on the loan fee in January and immediately loaned him to Everton. Both deals were designed to help Everton be competitive without the deals making any sense for Lyon. He also loaned the club money to cover day to day runnings, while Lyon themselves owe about €400m.

The issue is twofold. Everton expected and really needed to sell Branthwaite to United. United weren’t willing to match the asking price. Everton wanted £70m, United offered £45m and £50m. Everton probably misjudged how United would react. Few other things coincided - Ratcliffe’s new regime trying to be frugal on certain transfers - United unexpectedly being able to convince Yoro to sign for them over Real Madrid and Liverpool (United vastly outbid others on transfer fee, wages, agents fee - and a call from Rio Ferdinand to the player apparently convinced him). Then when their second bid for JB failed, they pivoted to De Ligt, who Ten Hag wanted and was available for £43m.

O’Brien was planned as a replacement for Branthwait and Dyche is really stubborn regarding centre halves and doesn’t trust anyone young or without premier league experience. Branthwaite started last season on the bench and it took a 4-0 tonking by Villa to give him a chance. Dyche had both Tarkowski and Keane at Burnley and loves both of them.

From speaking to Everton fans, they also believe that with Branthwaite aged 22, Dyche wants an older experienced player alongside him, so unless he’s sold, O’Brien will never play. Besides, Keane has had a relative resurgence this season and is third choice ahead of O’Brien

[Demesne Lad]

It's Leeds Utd v Sheffield Utd in the pursuit of Omobamidele, according to the press reports today. Of course Farke gave A. O. his senior and then Premier League debuts while both were at Norwich. The Blades need reinforcements after CB Souttar suffered a season ending injury.

Leeds United 'open talks' for £10m Premier League outcast with Sheffield United transfer battle possible (https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-open-talks-for-ps10m-premier-league-outcast-with-sheffield-united-transfer-battle-possible-4930522)

[Eirambler]

A lot of sense to both options - maybe loan with an option to buy if promoted even. He's going nowhere at Forest.

[Eirambler]

Apparently moving to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a permanent (edit - possibly loan) deal.

I said up the page that he's a player that I particularly think would suit a continental league more than the Championship, so hopefully this comes off and goes well for him. Another player playing regularly in a European Top 5 league can only be a good thing.

[Eirambler]

Confirmed now - loan with an option to buy. Hopefully he has a similar experience in France to what Jake O'Brien had and can make a name for himself there.

[tetsujin1979]

Could see four Irish players - Omobamidele, John Patrick Finn, Ike Orazi, and Noah Jauny - in Ligue 1 this season.
Before this season, there's only been ten in total!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_Ligue_1_players:_I#Ireland

[pineapple stu]

Confirmed now - loan with an option to buy. Hopefully he has a similar experience in France to what Jake O'Brien had and can make a name for himself there.
Battle relegation and return to the Premier to sit eternally on the bench?

I think our Andrew's been there, done that :p

[Eirambler]

Came on at half time with Strasbourg 1-0 down, they came back to win 2-1. Positive reports for Andrew's debut, expect he will push his way into the starting 11 before long.

[Eirambler]

Post game interview.

1883263067842322773

[Rayzor]

Good to see him get another 90 mins in this evening after not playing for so long. They kept a clean sheet as well.

[Trequartista20]

Pleasing to see. Strasbourg up to ninth, unbeaten in their last four.

[Rayzor]

Subbed after 16 mins this evening in a 2 - 0 win, presume he got injured

[pineapple stu]

Ruled out of next month's playoff with that injury per the Indo today

[Olé Olé]

Returned from injury today coming on on the 87 min v Reims. John Joe Finn came on for Reims on 69 min.

[yurt]

Strasbourg are right in the mix for Champions League Qualification. Would be great to see him get back in the starting line up and be part of a push to finish in the top 3 in Ligue 1.

Would be great to get to watch him playing at the highest level next year.

[Kingdom]

I read part of an article recently on Strasbourg, now that they are part of the Chelsea FC group of owners and their fans are not happy at the erosion of the clubs Alsatian identity...

[seanfhear]

I read part of an article recently on Strasbourg, now that they are part of the Chelsea FC group of owners and their fans are not happy at the erosion of the clubs Alsatian identity...Are they losing some bite ? !

[Kingdom]

Are they losing some bite ? !

I hope it isn't a case of the tail wagging the dog

[Eirambler]

Sounds like he had a horror last day of the season and cost Strasbourg a place in Europe, conceding a penalty and getting himself sent off in injury time. The incident also had the knock on effect of pushing JJ Finn's Reims from safety into a relegation playoff.

Probably won't be staying on at Strasbourg now, possibly wasn't going to be anyway. Seems to have stalled badly in the last year or so.

[CraftyToePoke]

The incident also had the knock on effect of pushing JJ Finn's Reims from safety into a relegation playoff.

So when are those play offs ?
I bet the one remotely interesting selection aspect for this window now won't be turning up.

[Eirambler]

Yes, a good chance he'll have to drop out, or at least miss the first game. That said, from what I've seen of him, I don't think he could possibly live up to the hype he seems to be getting from Ireland fans online anyway - he hasn't looked particularly good in his club appearances that I've seen.

Being a sub for a relegation threatened team in France is probably about that equivalent of being a sub for a mid table Championship team in England. If he was benching for Sheffield Wednesday would the same people be as enthused about him being called up?

[pineapple stu]

So when are those play offs ?
I think it's the next two Wednesdays. Was supposed to be Wednesday and Saturday - but Reims also have a Cup final against PSG on Saturday

[Jolly Red Giant]

Yes, a good chance he'll have to drop out, or at least miss the first game. That said, from what I've seen of him, I don't think he could possibly live up to the hype he seems to be getting from Ireland fans online anyway - he hasn't looked particularly good in his club appearances that I've seen.

Being a sub for a relegation threatened team in France is probably about that equivalent of being a sub for a mid table Championship team in England. If he was benching for Sheffield Wednesday would the same people be as enthused about him being called up?
I think you are doing him a bit of injustice with your comments.

Prior to Omobamidele joining Strasbourg - they were mid-table with a low of 13th after a four game losing streak in November. After losing in his first game on 2 February they went 9W, 3D, 0L and got as high as fourth - they missed out on Europe after losing their last game to Angers - so Strasbourg were not a 'relegation threatened team' throughout the entire season. There were, however, much better after Omobamidele arrived. Omobamidele played 9 games, starting 7, was injured missing a couple of games and also got suspended. There was one game when he was on the subs bench and didn't play and one of the other sub games was on his return from injury. So I would also dispute your assertion that he was a 'sub' for a 'relegation threatened team'.

Omobamidele is a quality player, technically very gifted - he suffered a very serious stress fracture in his back in 2023 that resulted in him wearing a brace for six months and being unable to do any rehab or training. He is still only 22 years old and lost a big chunk of his development. Give him time before dismissing his prospects.

[elatedscum]

I think you are doing him a bit of injustice with your comments.

Prior to Omobamidele joining Strasbourg - they were mid-table with a low of 13th after a four game losing streak in November. After losing in his first game on 2 February they went 9W, 3D, 0L and got as high as fourth - they missed out on Europe after losing their last game to Angers - so Strasbourg were not a 'relegation threatened team' throughout the entire season. There were, however, much better after Omobamidele arrived. Omobamidele played 9 games, starting 7, was injured missing a couple of games and also got suspended. There was one game when he was on the subs bench and didn't play and one of the other sub games was on his return from injury. So I would also dispute your assertion that he was a 'sub' for a 'relegation threatened team'.

Omobamidele is a quality player, technically very gifted - he suffered a very serious stress fracture in his back in 2023 that resulted in him wearing a brace for six months and being unable to do any rehab or training. He is still only 22 years old and lost a big chunk of his development. Give him time before dismissing his prospects.

He was talking about John Joe Patrick Finn, not Omobamidele