Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Encyclopedia
Jay Aston Emmanuel-Thomas (born 27 December 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays for Ipswich Town
. A product of the Arsenal Academy
, he is a versatile forward and can play as a winger or centre-forward. In the past he has played in a variety of positions such as fullback, centre back and in the midfield but has now found his best position as a forward.
On 6 August 2008 he played in Arsenal's pre-season friendly 2–1 win over Huddersfield Town
at the Galpharm Stadium
. Three days later he played for the first team in their 1–1 draw with Spanish La Liga
side Sevilla
in the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament
at the Amsterdam Arena
. In the 2008–09 season
he made 39 appearances for both the youth and reserve
teams, scoring seven goals. He captained the youth team as they were crowned Premier Academy League champions. They were first in Group A and after beating Group C winners Manchester City
2–1 in the semi-finals, beat Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 in the Play-off final on 17 May 2009 at White Hart Lane
.
He also played a big part in the youth team winning the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup, in which he scored in every round. Arsenal beat Liverpool 6–2 on aggregate in the two-legged final, with Emmanuel-Thomas captaining the side and also scoring in the 4–1 first leg win at the Emirates Stadium
. He was also twice an unused substitute in first team matches during the 2008–09 season. Firstly, on 23 September 2008 in the Gunners 6–0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United
. Then again in Arsenal's 3–0 Premier League victory over Portsmouth
on 2 May 2009.
's first home game of the 2009–10 season
, he signed a one-month loan deal with The Seasiders. Blackpool manager Ian Holloway
said, "I am delighted to have Jay. He is a fantastic young lad, he has a great physique and he wants the chance to come out and play. Initially it is just a month but I hope to convince him we can build on that and extend it for a longer period." The following day he made his professional debut as a 57th minute substitute, replacing David Vaughan
in a 0–0 home draw with Derby County
.
Talking about his debut, Emmanuel-Thomas said, "It was great and I enjoyed it. I've come to Blackpool to prove that I can play against men who are older and perhaps stronger than me, and that I can handle myself without any problems. Hopefully it will be good for me and will help me." He then scored on his full debut on 21 August in a 2–2 draw with Watford
at Vicarage Road
, when his powerful header in the 56th minute went past Hornets goalkeeper Scott Loach
.
On 18 September, after five appearances, his loan spell with the Seasiders was extended by a further two months. He scored his second goal for the Seasiders on 31 October in a 3–3 draw with Doncaster Rovers
at the Keepmoat Stadium. On 3 November, with his three-month loan spell ending after the home clash with Scunthorpe United
the following Saturday, it was revealed that Ian Holloway hoped to re-sign Emmanuel-Thomas on a half-season loan in January 2010.
on 16 December and Hull City
three days later as well as Everton
on 9 January 2010. On 18 December he signed a new long-term contract. He scored a hat-trick for the reserves in their 4–2 Premier Reserve League South win over West Ham United at Upton Park
on 12 January 2010. He made his Arsenal debut when he started the 4th round FA Cup tie against Stoke 24 January 2010. Playing as a striker in a 3 man attack, he was substituted after 66 minutes.
. He made his debut with the team the same day as substitute of James Hayter
at the 76-minute. Emmanual-Thomas started the next game away against Bristol City and scored twice as Doncaster Rovers won the game 5–2. His loan was later extended till the end of the 2009–10 season.
has been effusive in his praise for Thomas stating, "When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player but a great player." He scored a brilliant goal using the "hocus pocus" skill to get past 2 defenders and shoot past the goalkeeper in a reserve match against Everton
and fuelled speculation that he should be playing at a far higher level.
On 18 January, Emmanuel-Thomas announced on his Twitter page that he had signed for Cardiff City on loan until the end of the season. Toward the end of his loan spell he was drafted out of the match day 18 in order to facilitate Jason Koumas
among the substitutes.
for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first goal for Ipswich in a 2–1 Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town on 9 August 2011.
.
In October 2008 Emmanuel-Thomas was part of the England under-19
squad that qualified for the Elite qualifying round of the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship
.
Emmanuel-Thomas is also eligible to play for Saint Lucia
and Dominica
.
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
. A product of the Arsenal Academy
Arsenal F.C. Academy
Arsenal Football Club Academy are the youth team of Arsenal Football Club. They currently play in the FA Premier Academy League, the highest level of youth football in England...
, he is a versatile forward and can play as a winger or centre-forward. In the past he has played in a variety of positions such as fullback, centre back and in the midfield but has now found his best position as a forward.
Early career
Born in London to a St. Lucian mother and a Dominican father, Emmanuel-Thomas is a midfielder who has also played as left back, left winger and centre-forward. He has been at since he was seven years old, when he was spotted playing for his father's team by a Gunners scout, who invited him for training. In 2009, Emmanuel-Thomas said of his signing for Arsenal, "On the second day they asked me to sign a contract and I've been there ever since." He became captain of the under-18 youth team when he was just 16 years-old. In the summer of 2008 he signed his first professional contract with the Gunners. Emmanuel-Thomas has claimed that he is a supporter of London Football Club West Ham.On 6 August 2008 he played in Arsenal's pre-season friendly 2–1 win over Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
at the Galpharm Stadium
Galpharm Stadium
The Galpharm Stadium, formerly the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, is a multi-use sports in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England. Since 1994, it has been the home ground of Huddersfield Town and Super League side, Huddersfield Giants.-The Stadium:...
. Three days later he played for the first team in their 1–1 draw with Spanish La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side Sevilla
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
in the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament
Amsterdam Tournament 2008
The Amsterdam Tournament 2008, known as the "LG Amsterdam Tournament 2008" for sponsorship reasons, was the tenth Amsterdam Tournament, a pre-season football tournament for club teams from around the world. The 2008 tournament was contested by Ajax, Arsenal, Internazionale and Sevilla on 8 August...
at the Amsterdam Arena
Amsterdam ArenA
Amsterdam Arena is a stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is the largest stadium in the nation and it was built from 1993 to 1996 at a cost of €140 million, and was officially opened on 14 August 1996. It has been used for association football, American football, concerts, and other events...
. In the 2008–09 season
2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
he made 39 appearances for both the youth and reserve
Arsenal F.C. Reserves
Arsenal Reserves are the reserve team of Arsenal Football Club.They have been members of the FA Premier Reserve League Southern Division since its foundation in 1999. They play their home games at Underhill Stadium, which is also the home of Barnet FC. The team mainly consists of Under-21 players...
teams, scoring seven goals. He captained the youth team as they were crowned Premier Academy League champions. They were first in Group A and after beating Group C winners Manchester City
Manchester City F.C. Reserves and Academy
Manchester City is represented at Reserve level by the Elite Development Squad, also referred to as just the Elite Squad, or EDS, a predominantly 'Under-21' side that replaced the previous Reserve team in a move to focus on youth development post-academy...
2–1 in the semi-finals, beat Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 in the Play-off final on 17 May 2009 at White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Tottenham, London, England. Built in 1899, it is the home of Tottenham Hotspur and, after numerous renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 36,230....
.
He also played a big part in the youth team winning the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup, in which he scored in every round. Arsenal beat Liverpool 6–2 on aggregate in the two-legged final, with Emmanuel-Thomas captaining the side and also scoring in the 4–1 first leg win at the Emirates Stadium
Emirates Stadium
Ashburton Grove, currently known as the Emirates Stadium, is a UEFA elite football stadium which is home to Arsenal FC, where they moved from Highbury in 2006. It has an current capacity of 60,361, and there have been rumours of an expansion...
. He was also twice an unused substitute in first team matches during the 2008–09 season. Firstly, on 23 September 2008 in the Gunners 6–0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
. Then again in Arsenal's 3–0 Premier League victory over Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
on 2 May 2009.
Loan move to Blackpool
After attending BlackpoolBlackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
's first home game of the 2009–10 season
Blackpool F.C. season 2009–10
The 2009–10 season was Blackpool F.C.s 103rd season in the Football League. It was also their third consecutive season in The Championship, the second tier of English football. The club won promotion, via the play-offs, to the Premier League for the first time, their 28th overall season in the top...
, he signed a one-month loan deal with The Seasiders. Blackpool manager Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway
Ian Scott Holloway is an English football manager and former player. He became the manager of Blackpool in May 2009. Holloway is well-known amongst football fans for his off-the-wall interviews, with a wide selection of quotes and soundbites being printed. Holloway's playing career spanned 18...
said, "I am delighted to have Jay. He is a fantastic young lad, he has a great physique and he wants the chance to come out and play. Initially it is just a month but I hope to convince him we can build on that and extend it for a longer period." The following day he made his professional debut as a 57th minute substitute, replacing David Vaughan
David Vaughan (footballer)
David Owen Vaughan is a Welsh footballer who plays for Sunderland. He plays as a midfielder.Vaughan previously played for Crewe Alexandra, where he spent seven years between 2000 and 2007...
in a 0–0 home draw with Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
.
Talking about his debut, Emmanuel-Thomas said, "It was great and I enjoyed it. I've come to Blackpool to prove that I can play against men who are older and perhaps stronger than me, and that I can handle myself without any problems. Hopefully it will be good for me and will help me." He then scored on his full debut on 21 August in a 2–2 draw with 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...
at Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. An all-seater stadium, its current capacity is 17,477.-History:...
, when his powerful header in the 56th minute went past Hornets goalkeeper Scott Loach
Scott Loach
Scott James Loach is an English footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Watford in the Football League Championship, having previously spent loan spells with non-league Stafford Rangers and League Two sides Morecambe and Bradford City. He has played for England at under-21 level, and in August...
.
On 18 September, after five appearances, his loan spell with the Seasiders was extended by a further two months. He scored his second goal for the Seasiders on 31 October in a 3–3 draw with 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...
at the Keepmoat Stadium. On 3 November, with his three-month loan spell ending after the home clash with 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....
the following Saturday, it was revealed that Ian Holloway hoped to re-sign Emmanuel-Thomas on a half-season loan in January 2010.
Return to Arsenal
After returning to Arsenal, Emmanuel-Thomas was an unused substitute for the Premier League games against BurnleyBurnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
on 16 December and Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
three days later as well as Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 9 January 2010. On 18 December he signed a new long-term contract. He scored a hat-trick for the reserves in their 4–2 Premier Reserve League South win over West Ham United at Upton Park
Boleyn Ground
The Boleyn Ground, more commonly referred to as Upton Park due to its location in Upton Park, London is the football stadium of West Ham United.-History:...
on 12 January 2010. He made his Arsenal debut when he started the 4th round FA Cup tie against Stoke 24 January 2010. Playing as a striker in a 3 man attack, he was substituted after 66 minutes.
Loan move to Doncaster Rovers
On 27 February 2010, he signed a one-month loan deal with Doncaster RoversDoncaster 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...
. He made his debut with the team the same day as substitute of James Hayter
James Hayter (footballer)
James Edward Hayter is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Doncaster Rovers.-Bournemouth:...
at the 76-minute. Emmanual-Thomas started the next game away against Bristol City and scored twice as Doncaster Rovers won the game 5–2. His loan was later extended till the end of the 2009–10 season.
2009–10 Season
Emmanuel-Thomas started the season in great form for the reserves, scoring 10 in 9 appearances. He made his first league appearance for the senior team against Chelsea on 3 October coming on for Jack Wilshere in the 81st minute. Manager Arsène WengerArsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
has been effusive in his praise for Thomas stating, "When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player but a great player." He scored a brilliant goal using the "hocus pocus" skill to get past 2 defenders and shoot past the goalkeeper in a reserve match against Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
and fuelled speculation that he should be playing at a far higher level.
On 18 January, Emmanuel-Thomas announced on his Twitter page that he had signed for Cardiff City on loan until the end of the season. Toward the end of his loan spell he was drafted out of the match day 18 in order to facilitate Jason Koumas
Jason Koumas
Jason Koumas is a Welsh professional footballer who is currently a free agent after being released by Wigan Athletic. Formerly of Tranmere Rovers, Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion, he is a former Welsh international...
among the substitutes.
Ipswich Town
On 26 July 2011, Emmanuel-Thomas signed for Championship club Ipswich TownIpswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first goal for Ipswich in a 2–1 Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town on 9 August 2011.
Club career statistics
- Statistics accurate as of 17 May 2011
Club Season League Cup Europe Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Blackpool Blackpool F.C.Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
(loan)2009–10 11 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 12 1 3 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...2009–10 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 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...
(loan)2009–10 14 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 5 2 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...2010–11 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 Cardiff City F.C. Cardiff City F.C.Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
(loan)2010–11 14 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 16 2 2 Career total 40 8 6 6 0 1 1 0 0 47 8 7
International career
Emmanuel-Thomas has played for the England under-17 teamEngland national under-17 football team
-Elite Qualifying Group 3:-Group stage:-Fifth place play-off:-FA International U17 Tournament:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship qualifying round....
.
In October 2008 Emmanuel-Thomas was part of the England under-19
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
squad that qualified for the Elite qualifying round of the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:---------Final:-Top goalscorers:4 goals Nathan Delfouneso3 goals Henri Lansbury Danijel Aleksić Denys Harmash-External links:*...
.
Emmanuel-Thomas is also eligible to play for Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia national football team
The Saint Lucia national football team is the national association football team of Saint Lucia and it represents that country in international football matches. It is controlled by the St...
and Dominica
Dominica national football team
The Dominica national football team is the national team of Dominica and is controlled by the Dominica Football Association. A member of CONCACAF, it is among its weakest teams, getting beaten 10–0 and 8–0 by Mexico in 2006 World Cup qualifying....
.
Honours
Arsenal- FA Youth CupFA Youth CupThe Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
: 2008–09 - Premier Academy LeaguePremier Academy LeagueThe Premier Academy League is the top level of youth football in England. It is contested between the Academy sides of The Premier League and some Football League clubs, including Welsh side Cardiff City...
: 2008–09
External links
- Jay Emmanuel-Thomas profile at Arsenal.com