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Ex-Bees Sam Sodje Discusses Bryan Mbeumo's Value and Brentford's Path After Ivan Toney

Former Brentford player Sam Sodje shares insights on Bryan Mbeumo's value, Brentford's adaptability post-Ivan Toney, which has impacted the team's odds in Premier League betting, and his connection to the club in an exclusive interview.

Gbemidepo Popoola
G. Popoola

Last Updated: 2024-10-23

Louis Hobbs

6 minutes read

 Sam Sodje of Notts County

Pete Norton/Getty Images

In an exclusive interview, former Nigerian international Sam Sodje opens up about his time playing across Europe, his deep connection to Brentford FC, and the challenges facing the club in the post-Ivan Toney era.

Known for his tenacity on the field and his seamless adaptation to the English game, Sodje reflects on his career highlights, the importance of coaching, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

A Journey Across Continents

Sam Sodje’s football journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and love for the game. Born in the United Kingdom but raised in Nigeria, Sodje’s return to Europe in his late teens marked the beginning of a career that saw him rise from non-league football to becoming a Premier League player.

From his experiences in the UK’s lower leagues to his time at Brentford, where he became a fan favourite, Sodje's story is as inspiring as it is reflective of the determination needed to succeed at the highest levels.

In this candid conversation, Sodje talks about his playing days, the role of coaching in his success, and the enduring bond he shares with Brentford FC.

Early Football Experiences: Adapting to the English Game

How did your experiences playing in various leagues across Europe shape your style of play?

"Even though I was born in the U.K., I came back to Nigeria when I was very young, so it was me playing in Nigeria for a long time, and I went back when I was 19, 20. And I really fit into the system in the UK," Sodje told SportsBoom.com.

"The English game was more about how quick you are, how high you can jump, so it was very easy because in Europe, you get coached."

Reflecting on the importance of coaching, he adds, "I think in this part of the world, we underestimate how important coaching is. I was coached, and to blend into the system in Europe was a bit easy for me because I was young and wanted to learn."

Sodje credits his formative years in Warri, Delta State, for honing the skills that would later serve him well in Europe. 

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Having the skills that I developed playing in Warri, taking that to a developed country like the UK... it was easy for me to blend in. It didn’t take too much hard work for me to learn because I was very young

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford FC: A Club That Will Always Be Special

How would you describe your time at Brentford, and do you still follow the team?

"Anyone that knows me would know how special Brentford Football Club is to me. They gave me the chance to be a professional," Sodje says with a nostalgic smile.

"They signed me from a non-league team, Margate, and I joined them, had the best football of my life because I was hungry, and the fans took to me."

Sodje’s connection with Brentford runs deep. "I got player of the season a couple of times and became a cult hero, a legend. I do watch them whenever I'm in the UK, in London. I always go there; I'm always welcomed at Brentford. They’re a special club to me because I think I made my name there."

He attributes his rise to prominence to his time at Brentford, where his performances led to a move to the Premier League.

"I gave them a lot of my time and talent, and I received so much love back from them. Brentford is special."

Mbeumo’s Future: A Potential Loss, But Brentford Will Adapt

Bryan Mbeumo has been linked with a January move. How valuable is he to the squad?

"Bryan has been very successful since he's been at Brentford. He’s scored so many important goals, and he’s been there for quite a while now," Sodje remarks.

"If he leaves the club, he would be a big miss, but that’s football. Players move on. He’s a top player, and he’s given Brentford so many victories."

Sodje recognises that a player of Mbeumo’s quality could attract interest from other clubs, but he remains confident that Brentford will continue to thrive.

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If Bryan decides to move on, we’d all wish him well. He’s been a great player for the club, but Brentford will always find a way to move forward

Sam Sodje

Life After Toney: Brentford’s Resilience

How has Brentford adapted since the departure of Ivan Toney?

"When Ivan Toney left, it looked like it was going to be a big miss, but the club has coped really well without him," Sodje says.

"We always respect him for what he did for the club, and I think he made the right choice for his career."

Sodje is confident in Brentford’s ability to handle future challenges, even if key players like Mbeumo decide to leave.

"Players come and go, but the club always finds a way of adapting. No matter who leaves, the team will adjust. That’s the beauty of Brentford, they are a resilient club."

Gbemidepo Popoola
Gbemidepo PopoolaSports Writer

Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".