Jon Otsemobor

Jon Otsemobor (born 23 March 1983) is an English retired professional footballer who played as a right back.

Jon Otsemobor
Otsemobor warming up for Milton Keynes Dons in 2013
Personal information
Full name Jon Otsemobor[1]
Date of birth (1983-03-23) 23 March 1983[1]
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Playing position(s) Right back
Youth career
0000–2002 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2005 Liverpool 4 (0)
2003 → Hull City (loan) 9 (3)
2004 → Bolton Wanderers (loan) 1 (0)
2004–2005 → Crewe Alexandra (loan) 14 (1)
2005–2006 Rotherham United 10 (0)
2006–2007 Crewe Alexandra 43 (0)
2007–2010 Norwich City 93 (2)
2010 Southampton 19 (0)
2010–2012 Sheffield Wednesday 26 (0)
2012–2014 Milton Keynes Dons 44 (1)
2013–2014 → Tranmere Rovers (loan) 2 (0)
Total 265 (7)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

He was born in Liverpool, and began his career with hometown club Liverpool He also played for Hull City, Bolton Wanderers, Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham United, Norwich City, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Milton Keynes Dons and Tranmere Rovers.

He made headlines at the age of 20 when as an innocent bystander he was shot in the buttocks by an armed gang-member gunman in a Liverpool nightclub.[2][3] As a footballer, he gained cult-hero status at the MK Dons for his "Heel of God" goal and upon leaving the club he described it as "one of the only clubs I've thoroughly enjoyed being at".[4][5]

Career

Liverpool

Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Otsemobor progressed through Liverpool's youth system and signed a professional contract with the club on 23 March 2000.[1] After impressing in the reserve side, he made his debut in Liverpool's 3–1 win over Southampton in the League Cup.[6]

He was loaned out to Hull City for the rest of the season to gain some first team experience. Otsemobor scored his first career goal for Hull in their 4–2 defeat to Rushden & Diamonds.[7] Otsemobor also scored a further two goals in Hull's 2–0 win over Shrewsbury Town[8] and the 2–1 defeat at Wrexham.[9] Following his loan spell at Hull City came to an end, Otsemobor signed a new contract with Liverpool, keeping him until 2005.[10]

In the 2003–04 season, Otsemobor played five more games for Liverpool, making appearances in the 1–1 draw with Newcastle United and the 3–1 win over Bolton Wanderers. He also appeared in the newspapers in October 2003, when he was shot in the buttocks during a gun incident in a bar.[11] He was then loaned out again, this time to Bolton Wanderers[12] where he only played one game, which was their 3–1 defeat to Manchester City.[13] However, before the end of the season, Otsemobor's loan spell with Bolton Wanderers came to an end, though he wasn't allowed to play for Liverpool throughout the 2003–04 season.[14]

Otsemobor was then loaned out to Crewe Alexandra on a month loan.[15] Six days later after signing for them, He made his debut for Crewe in the 3–0 win over Watford.[16] He scored one goal during his loan at Crewe, which was in the 2–2 draw with Leicester City.[17] Ostsemobor's loan spell with Crewe extended on a season long deal. This came after he turned down a contract with Liverpool, which was due to expire at the end of the 2004–05 season.[18] Otsemobor said he was keen to stay at the club on a permanent basis; ironically, he said his loan spells would help him earn a first team at Liverpool.[19][20] By the end of December, Otsemobor's loan spell with Crewe ended, with fourteen appearance and scoring once.[21]

Having rejected a long-term contract from Liverpool, Otsemobor was released by the club at the end of the 2004–05 season.[22]

Rotherham United

Despite interests from Crewe[23] and Hearts,[24] Otsemobor signed for Rotherham United on 5 July 2005, on a free transfer from Liverpool.[25]

After appearing on the first four as an unused substitute bench, Otsemobor finally made his Rotherham United, coming on as a substitute for Lee Williamson in the 71st minutes, in a 4–0 win over Blackpool on 27 August 2005.[26] At Rotherham United, Otsemobor made eight appearances and scored one goal for the club against Port Vale in the League Cup[27] before being sold again, this time on a free transfer back to Crewe Alexandra.

Crewe Alexandra

Otsemobor signed permanently for Crewe on 19 January 2006, keeping him until at the end of the 2006–07 season.[28] He made his second debut for the club in a 2–1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle. Otsemobor, along with Steve Foster, Madjid Bougherra and Billy Jones were considered the main reason for Crewe's late attempt for safety in the final few months of the 2005–06 season, which eventually failed. Otsemobor also appeared in all of the games during Crewe's five game undefeated run.

During pre-season, in June 2006, Otsemobor failed to return to training on an agreed date. From 9 to 14 June 2006, club manager Dario Gradi failed to make contact with Otsemobor and reasons for his absence were unknown.[29] On 14 June 2006, Otsemobor returned to Crewe citing a long holiday and misunderstanding as the reason he missed training.[30] After apologising for his actions, Manager Dario Gradi accepted Otsemobor's apology.[31]

In the 2006–07 season, Ostemobor continued to be in the first team and played a vital role during a match against Cheltenham Town on 12 September 2006 when he provided a double assist, in a 3–1 win for Crewe.[32] However, Ostemobor's playing time was reduced after suffering injuries, which saw him appeared in twenty-seven appearance in his first full season.[33][34] Despite this, Ostemobor was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year for 2006–07, along with teammate Luke Varney.[35]

With his contract expiring at the end of the 2006–07 season, Ostemobor was linked with a move to Norwich City and Preston North End.[36] In December 2006, Ostemobor turned down a contract, which prompted criticism from Crewe supporters.[37]

Norwich City

After leaving Crewe Alexandra, Otsemobor joined Norwich City on a three-year contract with the club in June 2007.[38]

Otsemobor made his Norwich City debut in the opening game of the season, where he played 90 minutes as a right-back, in a 0–0 draw against Preston North End.[39] His first goal for the club came in a 5–1 win against Colchester United on 22 March 2008.[40] Otsemobor ended his first season at Norwich City, making forty-three appearances and scoring once.

However, his second season at Norwich City was not successful as the first one, as he was competing over the right-back spot with on-loan signing Elliott Omozusi.[41] Ostemobor made his first appearance for the club in the 2008–09 season on 30 August 2008, in a 1–1 draw against Birmingham City.[42] After the match, Manager Glenn Roeder praised Otsemobor's performance on his return.[43] Soon, Otsemobor suffered ankle injury during a 2–1 loss against Derby County in mid-October.[44] Otsemobor regained his right-back spot in the first team from November, after Omozusi left the club.[45] Despite making thirty-eight appearance for the club, Norwich City, however, was relegated to League One.

In the 2009–10 season, Otsemobor's performance was criticised when the defense conceded seven goals, in a 7–1 loss against Colchester United in the opening game of the season.[46][47] Weeks after the defeat, Otsemobor scored his first Norwich City goal of the 2009–10 season, in a 5–2 win over Wycombe Wanderers on 22 August 2009, in Paul Lambert's first win as Norwich City Manager.[48] However, Otsemobor suffered injuries, which saw his playing time reduced and eventually being on the substitutes bench at the end of December.[49][50] Despite this, Otsemobor made his 100th Norwich City appearance, in a 2–2 draw against Southampton on 21 November 2009.[51][52]

Southampton

Otsemobor signed for Southampton on 14 January 2010, on a free transfer from League One promotion rivals Norwich City.[53]

He made his debut on 16 January playing alongside two other recent signings, José Fonte and Danny Seaborne, in a 1–1 draw at Millwall.[54] However, Otsemobor suffered an injury that kept him out throughout March, which was sustained during a 1–0 win over Leeds United.[55]

Despite being keen to stay at Southampton,[56] Otsemobor was among twelve players to be released by the club in May 2010.[57][58]

Sheffield Wednesday

On 8 June 2010, it was announced that Otsemobor would be joining Sheffield Wednesday with effect from 1 July.[59] Otsemobor was linked with a move to League One clubs before joining Sheffield Wednesday.[60]

Otsemobor made his Sheffield Wednesday debut in the first round of League Cup, in a 1–0 win over Bury on 8 August 2010.[61] However, Otsemobor did not make a perfect start at Sheffield Wednesday as he was on the substitutes' bench for the first seven matches. It took until 25 September 2010 before Otsemobor made his league debut, coming on as a substitute for Darren Purse in the 45th minute, in a 1–0 loss against former club Southampton.[62] However, on 16 October against Yeovil Town, Otsemobor was sent-off in the 86th minute for a foul on Nathan Smith, just two minutes before winning the penalty, allowing Tommy Miller to convert the penalty successfully. The game ended with Sheffield Wednesday winning 2–0.[63] Following this, Otsemobor made an appearance in a FA Cup match before suffering a calf injury.[64] Despite making an appearance against Huddersfield Town on 3 January 2011, Otsemobor was once again sidelined with a calf injury.[65] After making his return in late-March, Otsemobor retained his first team place for the remainder of the 2010–11 season, as he made fifteen appearance in his first season.

In the 2011–12 season, Otsemobor appeared in the first four matches before suffering an injury.[66] Otsemobor made his first team return from injury on 31 December 2011, where he set up a goal for Ben Marshall in the 42nd minutes, in a 2–0 win over Preston,[67] followed up setting up another goal in the next goal for Chris Lines, in a 2–1 win over Tranmere Rovers.[68] Otsemobor suffered an injury that kept him out for the 2011–12 season.[69] Otsemobor ended his second season at Sheffield Wednesday, with eleven appearances.

After coming runners-up in the 2011–12 Football League One with Sheffield Wednesday he was released amongst six other players having played twenty-six times for the club in the league since he joined in 2010.[70]

Milton Keynes Dons

On 5 July 2012, Otsemobor signed for League One side Milton Keynes Dons on a one-year deal, becoming the Dons first signing of the summer.[71]

Otsemobor made his Milton Keynes Dons debut, playing as a right-back, in a 1–1 draw against Bournemouth on 21 August 2012[72] and seven days later, he provided assist for Milton Keynes Dons's first goal, in a 2–1 win over Blackburn Rovers in the second round of League Cup.[73] Otsemobor continued to be in the first team and then scored his first Milton Keynes Dons goal, in a 5–1 win over Colchester United on 24 November 2012.[74] A week later on 2 December 2012, he scored the winning goal in the third minute of injury time as the Dons defeated AFC Wimbledon 2–1 in the Second Round of the FA Cup.[75] This has given Otsemobor cult-hero status from Dons fans, dubbing the right-back "The Heel of God".[76] Two years later, Otsemobor was later awarded Goal of the Decade title at the club's award ceremony.[77] However, Otsemobor suffered a groin injury that kept him out for throughout December.[78] After making his return to the first team, Otsemobor went on to make thirty-five appearance in his first season at Milton Keynes Dons.

In the 2013–14 season, however, Otsemobor dropped to third choice right back, as a result of focusing on development of youth at Milton Keynes Dons.

He returned to his native Merseyside on 28 November 2013, when he agreed to join Tranmere Rovers on a month's loan. He became the third player to join Rovers on that day on loan with Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Edwards and Liverpool winger Kristoffer Peterson.[79] Otsemobor made his Tranmere Rovers debut two days later after signing for the club, in a 2–1 win over Colchester United.[80] After making two appearance for the club, Ostemobor returned to his parent club after suffering injury, prompting the club not extending his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.[81]

After his Tranmere Rovers loan spell ended, Otsemobor subsequently left MK Dons by mutual consent on 8 January 2014.[82]

End of career

At the end of June 2014, he trialled with Doncaster Rovers and played for them against Bradford Park Avenue in a pre-season friendly on 9 July 2014.[83]

He subsequently retired from football and became involved in property management and development.[84]

Career statistics
As of 11 January 2013.[85]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other[A] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Liverpool
2002–03
 Premier League 0000100010
2003–04
 Premier League 4000100050
2004–05
 Premier League 0000000000
Total 4000200060
Hull City (loan)
2002–03
 Division Three 9300000093
Bolton Wanderers (loan)
2003–04
 Premier League 1000000010
Crewe Alexandra (loan)
2004–05
 Championship 141001000151
Rotherham United
2005–06
 League One 100002120141
Crewe Alexandra
2005–06
 Championship 160000000160
2006–07 League One 270103030340
Total 430103030500
Norwich City 2007–08 Championship 431103000471
2008–09 Championship 370201000400
2009–10 League One 131101020171
Total 9324050201042
Southampton 2009–10 League One 190000000190
Sheffield Wednesday 2010–11 League One 150102030210
2011–12 League One 110302000160
Total 260404030370
Milton Keynes Dons 2012–13 League One 191211000222
Career totals 23871111811002779
A. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Football League Trophy.

Honours

Sheffield Wednesday

  • Football League One runners-up: 2011–12
gollark: The majority of traffic is on a small minority of channels.
gollark: If you want to just get *most*, like I do, you do not.
gollark: If you want to trilaterate *absolutely every* message you do.
gollark: what is "is"?
gollark: So what sort of powers does being a cloud ninja provide?

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 323. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. "UK | England | Merseyside | Liverpool player shot at nightclub". BBC News. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  3. Boffey, Chris (6 October 2003). "Liverpool footballer hurt in pub shooting". Telegraph. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  4. "Football: AFC Wimbledon goal hero Jon Otsemobor departs MK Dons". oneMK. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  5. "'Heel of God' Jon Otsemobor leaves MK Dons". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk.
  6. "No more local heroes - Whatever happened to the Liverpool production line?". Daily Mail. 4 March 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  7. "Rushden 4–2 Hull". BBC. 15 March 2003. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  8. "Hull City 2–0 Shrewsbury Town". BBC. 22 March 2003. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  9. "Hull City 1–2 Wrexham". BBC. 4 April 2003. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  10. "New deal for Reds defender". Liverpool Echo. 30 May 2003. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  11. Carter, Helen (6 October 2003). "Liverpool football player shot in bar". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  12. "Bolton Wanderers sign Jon Otsemobor on loan from Liverpool". BBC Sport. 2 February 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  13. "Wanderers slump at the Reebok". The Bolton News. 21 February 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  14. "Jon Otsemobor walks". The Bolton News. 3 April 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  15. "Crewe sign Otsemobor". BBC Sport. 30 September 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  16. "Jon Kops debut". Crewe Chronicle. 6 October 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  17. "Crewe 2–2 Leicester". BBC. 2 November 2004. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  18. "Loan star stays". Crewe Chronicle. 1 December 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  19. "Liverpool lad is back in groove". Crewe Chronicle. 24 November 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  20. "On-loan defender looks to future". Crewe Chronicle. 13 December 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  21. "Anfield return for Otsemobor". Crewe Chronicle. 29 December 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  22. "Reds release five". Sky Sports. 23 May 2005. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  23. "No room for Otsemobor". Crewe Chronicle. 6 July 2005. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  24. "Hearts eye up Liverpool youngster". BBC Sport. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  25. "Rotherham snap up defensive trio". BBC Sport. 4 July 2005. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  26. "Rotherham United 4 - 0 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 27 August 2005. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  27. "Rotherham 3–1 Port Vale". BBC. 23 August 2005. Retrieved 7 November 2009.
  28. "Crewe swoop to capture Otsemobor". BBC Sport. 19 January 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  29. "Dario Puzzled By Semmy's Absence". crewealex.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 June 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  30. "Semi back in training". crewealex.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  31. "Gradi accepts Otsemobor apology". BBC Sport. 16 June 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  32. "Crewe Alexandra 3 - 1 Cheltenham Town". Crewe Chronicle. 12 September 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  33. "Trophy win can be safety spur". Crewe Chronicle. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  34. "Lowe hails Alex fans Football". Crewe Chronicle. 27 February 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  35. "Ronaldo secures PFA awards double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  36. "Duo target Otsemobor". Sky Sports. 6 July 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  37. "Baudet backs rebel duo". Crewe Chronicle. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  38. "Norwich set to capture Otsemobor". BBC Sport. 13 June 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  39. "Match Report: Preston vs Norwich City". Norwich City F.C. 11 August 2007. Archived from the original on 6 March 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  40. "Match Report: Norwich City vs Colchester". Norwich City FC. 22 March 2008. Archived from the original on 27 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  41. "City striker search hits problem". The Pink UN. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  42. "Match Report: Norwich City vs Birmingham City". Norwich City FC. 30 August 2008. Archived from the original on 27 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  43. "Otsemobor praised for display on return". The Pink UN. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  44. "Injury setback for Otsemobor". Sky Sports. 11 October 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  45. "Omozusi the only doubt". The Pink UN. 7 November 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  46. "Horror show leaves all plans in tatters". The Pink UN. 10 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  47. "Christ on a bike, where do you start?". The Pink UN. 9 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  48. "Norwich City 5 – 2 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. 22 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  49. "Smith likely to fill in for injured Otsemobor". The Pink UN. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  50. "Lambert bemoans lack of cash". The Pink UN. 24 October 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  51. "Lambert hails ton-derful Otsemobor". The Pink UN. 20 November 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  52. "Match Report: Southampton v Norwich City". Norwich City FC. 21 November 2009. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  53. "Jon Joins". Southampton F.C. 14 January 2010. Archived from the original on 16 January 2010. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  54. "Millwall vs Southampton". Southampton F.C. 16 January 2010. Archived from the original on 19 January 2010. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  55. "Davis thriving on pressure of big games". Daily Echo. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  56. "Otsemobor wants Saints stay". Sky Sports. 3 April 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  57. "Southampton reveal retain and released lists of players". Daily Echo. 15 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  58. "Released And Retained List". Southampton F.C. 15 May 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  59. "Otsemobor agrees Wednesday deal". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 8 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 June 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2010.
  60. "Otsemobor attracting interest". Sky Sports. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  61. "Sheffield Wednesday 1 – 0 Bury". BBC Sport. 8 August 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  62. "Sheffield Wednesday 0 –1 Southampton". BBC Sport. 25 September 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  63. "Yeovil Town 0 – 2 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 16 October 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  64. "Owls hit by triple blow". The Star. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  65. "Owls inject more speed into duo's comeback bid". The Star. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  66. "Prutton's derby boost". The Star. 12 October 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  67. "Preston North End 0 – 2 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  68. "Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 1 Tranmere". BBC Sport. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  69. "Sheffield Wednesday : All guns blazing". Sheffield Telegraph. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  70. "Owls release six". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 15 May 2012. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  71. "Dons sign Otsemobor". Milton Keynes Dons FC. 5 July 2012. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  72. "Bournemouth 1 – 1 Milton Keynes Dons". BBC Sport. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  73. "Milton Keynes Dons 2 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 28 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  74. "Milton Keynes Dons 5 – 1 Colchester United". BBC Sport. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  75. Osborne, Chris (2 December 2012). "MK Dons 2 AFC Wimbledon 1". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  76. "HEEL OF GOD: It's two years on from when Jon Otsemobor scored magical goal for MK Dons against AFC Wimbledon". MK Web. 2 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  77. "Ben bags four awards". Milton Keynes Dons F.C. 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 29 August 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  78. "Hartlepool United team news". Milton Keynes Dons FC. 15 December 2012. Archived from the original on 17 December 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  79. Otsemobor, Jon (28 November 2013). "Otsemobor Joins On Loan". Tranmere Rovers F.C. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2013.
  80. "Tranmere Rovers 2 – 1 Colchester United". BBC Sport. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  81. "Loan Latest". Tranmere Rovers F.C. 31 December 2013. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  82. "Football: AFC Wimbledon goal hero Jon Otsemobor departs MK Dons". MK Web. 8 January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  83. "Flown From the Nest - Jon Otsemobor". Ex-canaries.co.uk. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  84. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jon-otsemobor-606878ab
  85. "Games played by Jon Otsemobor in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.