Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye
Encyclopedia
Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye more commonly known as Abdoulaye Faye, is a Senegalese footballer who plays for Championship club West Ham United
. He plays primarily as a centre back but he can also operate as a defensive midfielder.
, before leaving the then top-three team to go to Jeanne d'Arc
. He then went on to join Lens
in July 2002, integrating into a squad which at that time included fellow Senegalese Papa Bouba Diop
.
in July 2005 on loan. Faye made his debut for Bolton against Newcastle United where he enjoyed a memorable debut in a 2–0 home win in which, he aerially out-muscled Alan Shearer
. He came on as a substitute for the injured Radhi Jaïdi
and never looked back after a dominant display. Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce
praised the form of Faye early into his Bolton career. In December 2005 Faye signed a permanent contract with Bolton. Following this Faye expressed his delight at staying in England
.
In the 2006–07 season Faye operated almost exclusively as a central defender following the departures of Bruno N'Gotty
and Jaïdi to Birmingham City
. Over the course of the season he developed a formidable partnership with Ivorian
Abdoulaye Méïté
, ensuring that Bolton had a strong home defensive record before the new year. Soon after they fell away in the second half of the season only just qualifying for the UEFA Cup
with sides finding a way through Faye and Meite's dominance. Faye managed to score two goals against Arsenal
in successive seasons helping Bolton to 2–0 and 3–1 victories due to his definite aerial prowess which the Arsenal defenders had no answer to. He was known for his dominant displays at central defence throughout the season and became a favourite amongst Bolton fans.
. On 31 August 2007, Faye signed a three-year contract at Newcastle United. Faye was presented to the Newcastle fans at half-time during the home game against Wigan Athletic
on 1 September. On 24 February 2008, Faye scored his only goal for Newcastle United during the 5–1 defeat at home to Manchester United
.
On 15 August 2008, Faye joined newly-promoted Premier League side Stoke City
from Newcastle United
for £2.25 million on a three-year contract. He made his debut for Stoke in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa
in August 2008. He scored his first goal for the club against his old club Newcastle, which came in the 90th minute of the match to earn Stoke a point in a 2–2 draw. He scored against Newcastle again later in the season in another draw between the two sides. Faye's impressive first season did not go unnoticed with fellow Stoke players and fans as he won both Players and Fans Player of the Season Award for Stoke City. He was also voted player of the year by all of the club's supporters groups.
Following his first season at Stoke he was awarded the captains armband on a permanent basis for the 2009–10 season. Faye had another good season for City but was also hampered by injuries and had to leave the field before 30 minutes on a number of occasions. Manager Tony Pulis
gave the captaincy to Ryan Shawcross
for the 2010–11 season. He struggled to make much of an impact during the season and was released at the end of it after he was not offered a new contract. Stoke manager Tony Pulis
and the Stoke sentinel paid tribute to Faye.
on a free transfer linking up with manager Sam Allardyce
for a third time and he said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here," Faye told the club website. Faye made his debut for West Ham on 16 August 2011 in a 4-0 away win against Watford
.
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
. He plays primarily as a centre back but he can also operate as a defensive midfielder.
Early career
Faye began his career at Senegalese club ASEC NdiambourASEC Ndiambour
ASEC Ndiambour is a Senegalese football club based in Louga, which is part of the Senegal National League 2 Poule A . -History:They played 2009 in the top division in Senegalese football...
, before leaving the then top-three team to go to Jeanne d'Arc
ASC Jeanne d'Arc
ASC Jeanne d'Arc is a Senegalese football club based in Dakar. It was founded in 1921. They play at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor.-Achievements:*Senegal Premier League: 10...
. He then went on to join Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
in July 2002, integrating into a squad which at that time included fellow Senegalese Papa Bouba Diop
Papa Bouba Diop
Pape "Papa" Bouba Diop is a Senegalese footballer who plays for West Ham United in the Football League Championship and the Senegal national team. His preferred position is defensive midfield but can also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens...
.
Bolton Wanderers
Faye signed for English side Bolton WanderersBolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
in July 2005 on loan. Faye made his debut for Bolton against Newcastle United where he enjoyed a memorable debut in a 2–0 home win in which, he aerially out-muscled Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
. He came on as a substitute for the injured Radhi Jaïdi
Radhi Jaïdi
Radhi Ben Abdelmajid Jaïdi is a Tunisian footballer who joined Npower Championship club Southampton in September 2009. He plays as a centre back.-Club career:...
and never looked back after a dominant display. Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce
Samuel "Sam" Allardyce , nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United....
praised the form of Faye early into his Bolton career. In December 2005 Faye signed a permanent contract with Bolton. Following this Faye expressed his delight at staying in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
In the 2006–07 season Faye operated almost exclusively as a central defender following the departures of Bruno N'Gotty
Bruno N'Gotty
Bruno N'Gotty is a French football player of Cameroonian ancestry who last played for English club Leicester City. Initially a player at his home team Olympique Lyonnais, he later played for Paris Saint-Germain, A.C...
and Jaïdi to Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
. Over the course of the season he developed a formidable partnership with Ivorian
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
Abdoulaye Méïté
Abdoulaye Méïté
Abdoulaye Méïté is a French born Ivorian footballer who plays for Dijon FCO. He represents Côte d'Ivoire internationally and has been awarded 48 caps.-Career:...
, ensuring that Bolton had a strong home defensive record before the new year. Soon after they fell away in the second half of the season only just qualifying for the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
with sides finding a way through Faye and Meite's dominance. Faye managed to score two goals against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in successive seasons helping Bolton to 2–0 and 3–1 victories due to his definite aerial prowess which the Arsenal defenders had no answer to. He was known for his dominant displays at central defence throughout the season and became a favourite amongst Bolton fans.
Newcastle United
On 15 August 2007, there were stories in several newspapers stating that Faye would be moving to Newcastle United for around £2m to join up with former Manager Sam AllardyceSam Allardyce
Samuel "Sam" Allardyce , nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United....
. On 31 August 2007, Faye signed a three-year contract at Newcastle United. Faye was presented to the Newcastle fans at half-time during the home game against Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
on 1 September. On 24 February 2008, Faye scored his only goal for Newcastle United during the 5–1 defeat at home to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
.
Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
from Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
for £2.25 million on a three-year contract. He made his debut for Stoke in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
in August 2008. He scored his first goal for the club against his old club Newcastle, which came in the 90th minute of the match to earn Stoke a point in a 2–2 draw. He scored against Newcastle again later in the season in another draw between the two sides. Faye's impressive first season did not go unnoticed with fellow Stoke players and fans as he won both Players and Fans Player of the Season Award for Stoke City. He was also voted player of the year by all of the club's supporters groups.
Following his first season at Stoke he was awarded the captains armband on a permanent basis for the 2009–10 season. Faye had another good season for City but was also hampered by injuries and had to leave the field before 30 minutes on a number of occasions. Manager Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis
Anthony Richard "Tony" Pulis is a Welsh former football player and is currently the manager of Stoke City. Pulis obtained his FA coaching badge at the age of 19, followed by his UEFA 'A' licence aged 21 – making him one of the youngest professional players ever to have obtained the qualification...
gave the captaincy to Ryan Shawcross
Ryan Shawcross
Ryan James Shawcross is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Stoke City.He previously was on the books of Manchester United, and had loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Stoke City respectively, before joining the latter permanently during January 2008. He was appointed as Stoke's captain...
for the 2010–11 season. He struggled to make much of an impact during the season and was released at the end of it after he was not offered a new contract. Stoke manager Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis
Anthony Richard "Tony" Pulis is a Welsh former football player and is currently the manager of Stoke City. Pulis obtained his FA coaching badge at the age of 19, followed by his UEFA 'A' licence aged 21 – making him one of the youngest professional players ever to have obtained the qualification...
and the Stoke sentinel paid tribute to Faye.
West Ham United
In June 2011, following his release from Stoke City, Faye signed for Championship side West Ham UnitedWest Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
on a free transfer linking up with manager Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce
Samuel "Sam" Allardyce , nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United....
for a third time and he said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here," Faye told the club website. Faye made his debut for West Ham on 16 August 2011 in a 4-0 away win against Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| RC Lens RC Lens Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du... |
2002–03 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
| 2003–04 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| Total | 35 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 43 | 0 | |
| Istres FC Istres Football Club Istres Ouest Provence is a French association football club based in Istres. The club was formed in 1920 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2008–09 season. Istres plays its home matches at the... (loan) |
2004–05 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| Total | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
| Bolton Wanderers Bolton Wanderers F.C. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001.... |
2005–06 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 37 | 1 |
| 2006–07 | 32 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 32 | 2 | ||
| 2007–08 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 60 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 72 | 3 | |
| Newcastle United Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger... |
2007–08 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 24 | 1 | |
| Total | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | |
| Stoke City Stoke City F.C. Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts... |
2008–09 | 36 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 36 | 3 | |
| 2009–10 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 32 | 2 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 Premier League The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011... |
14 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 16 | 1 | ||
| Total | 81 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 84 | 6 | |
| West Ham United West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... |
2011–12 2011–12 Football League The Football League 2011–12, called the Npower Football League, is the 112th season of the Football League. It began in August 2011 and will conclude in May 2012, with the promotion play-off finals.... |
6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| Career total | 232 | 10 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 257 | 10 | |
Individual
- Stoke City player of the season: 2008–09
External links
- Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye profile at stokecityfc.com
- Senegal's invasion of Stoke City Article on BBC Sport
- Premier League profile