Derek Asamoah
Encyclopedia
Derek Asamoah is a Ghana
ian professional footballer, who currently plays as a forward for K-League
club Pohang Steelers
in South Korea
and the Ghana national team
.
Asamoah is a forward, known for his pace and dribbling ability. He can also operate on either wing, delivering sharp crosses and as a second striker.
, before moving to Slough Town
in 2001.
, in which he signed his first professional contract. After an impressive first season at Sixfields
, he was offered a new improved contract but Asamoah turned it down in favor of a move to Mansfield Town
. He had a difficult time at Mansfield Town and fell out with manager Carlton Palmer
. He was transfer-listed and moved to Lincoln City
.
Asamoah struggled to enjoy his spell at Lincoln City and scored very few goals, which led to boss Keith Alexander
loaning him out to struggling Chester City
.
Asamoah was in his most prolific season yet, almost using his own two feet saving Chester from the drop with nine goals in 18 matches and at one stage in the season, he had seven goals in four matches. Having rejected a permanent deal with Chester, Asamoah left and was released by Lincoln City.
In search of a new club, Asamoah trialled with both Doncaster Rovers
and Scunthorpe United
during July 2006, but on 3 August 2006, Shrewsbury Town
announced that he had signed for them and turned town Scunthorpe United.
In 2006-07
, Asamoah netted 10 times in the league as Shrewsbury Town qualified for the League Two play-offs in 7th place.
or the Football League
. Asamoah moved for a figure of £50,000.
Following the transfer, Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters claimed Asamoah's conduct was that of a 'selfish player and a selfish person', and revealed Asamoah would have been sacked by Shrewsbury Town had his deal with Nice fallen through.
Asamoah had a few spells on the sidelines in France and ended the season with no appearances for Nice, for the 2008-09 he again failed to make a single appearance for the first team. As a result of this, he had not played domestic football in over 18-months until at the end of January, Asamoah left the club, to begin training with Yeovil Town
.
becoming the third Shrewsbury Town player to feature on their books after Colin Cramb and cult hero Victor Kasule. Asamoah made his debut for the Scottish
side against Celtic
, in a 6-0 thumping. At the end of the season Asamoah decided change would be best for him and left Hamilton Academical for Bulgaria
.
For the new 2010–11 A PFG season, Asamoah took the now free number one shirt. He netted seven times in the first half of the 2010–11 season.
. His contract is for three years.
squad for friendlies against Japan
and South Korea, in which he made his international debut, he has now gone on to make another three appearances for Ghana and was looking to gain a place in Milovan Rajevac's squads for the 2010 African Cup of Nations
and the World Cup
. During the winter transfer window pause, the Ghana coach announced that although having many talented footballers in his team, he would keep an eye on Asamoah and eventually include him in the squad for the Cup, seeing as many Lokomotiv Sofia games as possible.
On 7 November 2011, Asamoah returned to the national team again for the first time since 2008. He was recalled to the national team for friendlies against Gabon
and Sierra Leone
by new head coach Goran Stevanović
. On 15th November 2011, Asamoah scored his first international goal against Gabon
in stoppage time to win the game 2-1 for Ghana.
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
ian professional footballer, who currently plays as a forward for K-League
K-League
The Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
club Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
and the Ghana national team
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
.
Asamoah is a forward, known for his pace and dribbling ability. He can also operate on either wing, delivering sharp crosses and as a second striker.
Amateur
Asamoah learned his trade at the Protec Football Academy in North London. Whilst at the Academy, he played for semi-professional side Hampton & Richmond BoroughHampton & Richmond Borough F.C.
Hampton & Richmond Borough F.C. are an English football club based in the suburb of Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. They were founded in 1921 and formerly known as Hampton F.C. until 1999 when they changed their name in an attempt to draw a wider support base from around the...
, before moving to Slough Town
Slough Town F.C.
Slough Town F.C. is an English semi-professional football club. The club was officially founded in 1890 after the amalgamation of three local clubs, Swifts, Slough Albion and Young Men's Friendly Society, who between them forged a new club, Slough F.C....
in 2001.
Professional
Asamoah then gained a trial at Northampton TownNorthampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
, in which he signed his first professional contract. After an impressive first season at Sixfields
Sixfields
Sixfields in Northampton, Northamptonshire was a Landfill until a few years ago, when it was converted into a leisure area to accommodate the new Sixfields Stadium for Northampton Town Football Club....
, he was offered a new improved contract but Asamoah turned it down in favor of a move to Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
. He had a difficult time at Mansfield Town and fell out with manager Carlton Palmer
Carlton Palmer
Carlton Lloyd Palmer is a former English professional football player who played as a midfielder, most notably for Sheffield Wednesday.-Playing career:...
. He was transfer-listed and moved to Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
.
Asamoah struggled to enjoy his spell at Lincoln City and scored very few goals, which led to boss Keith Alexander
Keith Alexander (footballer)
Keith Alexander was a Saint Lucian footballer and manager. Born in Nottingham, England, he was the manager of League Two side Macclesfield Town at the time of his death, in a career that included international appearances for Saint Lucia. Alexander played for a whole host of lower league football...
loaning him out to struggling Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
.
Asamoah was in his most prolific season yet, almost using his own two feet saving Chester from the drop with nine goals in 18 matches and at one stage in the season, he had seven goals in four matches. Having rejected a permanent deal with Chester, Asamoah left and was released by Lincoln City.
In search of a new club, Asamoah trialled with both Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
and Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
during July 2006, but on 3 August 2006, Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
announced that he had signed for them and turned town Scunthorpe United.
In 2006-07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
, Asamoah netted 10 times in the league as Shrewsbury Town qualified for the League Two play-offs in 7th place.
OGC Nice
In August 2007, Asamoah moved to French League 1 side OGC Nice in a controversial transfer, where he went AWOL from Shrewsbury Town in order to sign with the French club, with no clearance from Shrewsbury Town, the FAThe Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
or the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. Asamoah moved for a figure of £50,000.
Following the transfer, Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters claimed Asamoah's conduct was that of a 'selfish player and a selfish person', and revealed Asamoah would have been sacked by Shrewsbury Town had his deal with Nice fallen through.
Asamoah had a few spells on the sidelines in France and ended the season with no appearances for Nice, for the 2008-09 he again failed to make a single appearance for the first team. As a result of this, he had not played domestic football in over 18-months until at the end of January, Asamoah left the club, to begin training with Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
.
Hamilton Academical
On 2 April 2009, it was confirmed that he had a trial at Scottish side Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
becoming the third Shrewsbury Town player to feature on their books after Colin Cramb and cult hero Victor Kasule. Asamoah made his debut for the Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
side against Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
, in a 6-0 thumping. At the end of the season Asamoah decided change would be best for him and left Hamilton Academical for Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
.
Lokomotiv Sofia
In August 2009 Asamoah signed a contract with Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia. After struggling with several injuries, Asamoah soon took the chance to obtain a starter position in the first squad. After the winter transfer window, he became a vital part of the red-black attack, scoring three goals is the first two matches. During yet another spectacular performance, against Lokomotiv Mezdra, the Ghana international received strong ovation from the attendance every time he got the ball, establishing his status as fan favourite. The crowd praised his dedication to win each 1-on-1 challenge, performing several attractive tricks in the process. A week later, against champions Levski Sofia, Asamoah again received positive chants, as he assisted for both goals of the match. Afterwards, he was chosen for player of the round in the championship.For the new 2010–11 A PFG season, Asamoah took the now free number one shirt. He netted seven times in the first half of the 2010–11 season.
Pohang Steelers
In November 2010, Asamoah signed with South Korean side Pohang SteelersPohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it...
. His contract is for three years.
International career
In October 2006, Asamoah was named in the Ghana national football teamGhana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
squad for friendlies against Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
and South Korea, in which he made his international debut, he has now gone on to make another three appearances for Ghana and was looking to gain a place in Milovan Rajevac's squads for the 2010 African Cup of Nations
2010 African Cup of Nations
The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, was the 27th Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial football championship of Africa...
and the World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. During the winter transfer window pause, the Ghana coach announced that although having many talented footballers in his team, he would keep an eye on Asamoah and eventually include him in the squad for the Cup, seeing as many Lokomotiv Sofia games as possible.
On 7 November 2011, Asamoah returned to the national team again for the first time since 2008. He was recalled to the national team for friendlies against Gabon
Gabon national football team
The Gabon national football team, nicknamed Azingo Nationale, is the national team of Gabon and is controlled by the Fédération Gabonaise de Football...
and Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone national football team
The Sierra Leone national football team, nicknamed the Leone Stars, is the national team of Sierra Leone and is controlled by the Sierra Leone Football Association...
by new head coach Goran Stevanović
Goran Stevanovic
Goran "Plavi" Stevanović is a Serbian football manager and former player. In January 2011, Stevanovic was appointed as the new Ghana coach.-External links:...
. On 15th November 2011, Asamoah scored his first international goal against Gabon
Gabon national football team
The Gabon national football team, nicknamed Azingo Nationale, is the national team of Gabon and is controlled by the Fédération Gabonaise de Football...
in stoppage time to win the game 2-1 for Ghana.