Phil SumblerAs footballing stories go, the story of Barnsley striker Victor Adeboyejo is one of the better ones as he prepares to set out on a play off adventure that he hopes will end in a little over two weeks time with a place in the Premier League.
Back in 2016-17, the former Leyton Orient player was part of an Oโs squad who were relegated from the Football League for the first time in their 112-year history in a season when he played under five managers.
Adeboyejo also dipped his toes in a host of non-league backwaters earlier in his career including Royston Town, Margate, Hemel Hempstead, Heybridge Swifts, Dulwich Hamlet and Soham Town Rangers.
But now he is eyeing a place amongst the top table of English football for next season after a remarkable six months at Oakwell that saw the Tykes secure a 5th placed league finish and the two legged semi final against the Swans.
Adeboyejo said โIt is a dream to have this opportunity from obviously playing lower-league football to pushing onto almost the pinnacle of football in England in terms of the Premier League.
“It has been an amazing experience and an amazing future for me now – especially with the way this season has gone.
โYou can see the impact he (Ismael) has brought to the team and he always takes the time to see how you are as well as pushing us on the field.
“He understands us as a team and individuals and accommodates us the best he can and that is credit to him in what he has brought to the club.
โWe know what quality we have in the squad and team. Last season was a tough season for us, but we managed to stay in the league and this season, we have managed to show what we are capable of in a new style.
โIf you work hard and push, you can achieve what you want to achieve and that is the mentality that has got me this far and hopefully, it can get me further.”
