Certainly to my mind, not many people at a lower-league level are presented on the pitch upon signing for a club. Timothy ‘TJ’ Eyoma was different.
August 17th 2021 saw Lincoln City lose 1-0 to Bolton Wanderers but it was a presentation before the match that was perhaps more memorable.
Lincoln had brought back, permanently this time, the defender they twice had on loan. TJ Eyoma had initially joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020, but he failed to make an appearance before the season was cut short due to Covid.
Perhaps surprisingly having not troubled the starters, Eyoma was back in LN5 for the 2020-21 campaign. He would start the season at right back as the central positions alternated between Adam Jackson, Joe Walsh and Lewis Montsma.
The Under-17 World Cup winner would eventually move to a central spot following the addition of Regan Poole and injuries to Jackson and Walsh. The season would end in play-off final heartbreak for Michael Appleton’s Imps.
At the time, many were questioning the decision to remove the Spurs graduate from the right-back role for the recent arrival, Poole. However, his performances in the centre of the defence would earn plaudits and build hopes of a return.
The wishes of the fans were adhered to by the club as Eyoma’s signing was announced on the pitch during that August evening. Supporters greeted their new signing with excitement.
Two seasons and a further 51 League One appearances later, a 24-year-old TJ Eyoma finds himself without a club. In truth, his game time had dwindled and he found himself warming the bench for much of the last campaign.
So, what next for the versatile defender? Well, at just 24 years old and with close to 150 first-team appearances to his name, Eyoma is surely an attractive option for many clubs in League One and League Two.
Bravery. Leaving Spurs with close to two years left on his contract in search of regular senior football was a brave move that demonstrates the London-born youngster’s confidence and willingness to step out of his comfort zone.
Versatility. Eyoma can play as a centre-back, a right back and a right-wing-back. We have seen from his performances during the 2020-21 season that playing regularly benefits TJ Eyoma and allows him to produce his best football.
Experience. The defender has played close to 150 senior games with a team that has challenged at the top of the table but had spells where they’ve struggled and come under pressure.
Add to this his upbringing with Tottenham and the England representative honours from Under 16s through to Under 19s and his new club will be welcoming a young player who can call on a wide range of experiences.
Talent. It may be cliche but TJ Eyoma has never let anyone down. He played a key role in a run to the play-off final and has been a more than able deputy when called upon in the proceeding campaigns.
He is quicker than he appears, decent on the ball and is fully committed. Aerially he can more than hold his own and is physically strong.
It could be argued that Eyoma somehow got left behind at Lincoln City, being unable to hold down a consistent spot in the starting XI. He had been usurped in the central three by the emergence of Sean Roughan, captain Paudie O’Connor, an almost injury-free Adam Jackson and the form of loanee Alex Mitchell.
When Regan Poole’s contract was coming to an end, many would have seen Eyoma as being able to nail down the right wing-back spot. Unfortunately for the former Spurs man, Lasse Sorenson had other ideas and has made the position his own with some superb performances.
It is highly doubtful TJ Eyoma will be short of offers this summer, likely from League One and you’d almost guarantee from League Two. His next move has to be right for him, he has to play games regularly and to feel the love.
Despite the heights that were promised not being achieved, Eyoma is likely to be remembered fondly by fans of the Imps as someone who gave it their all, got his head down and was part of a team that nearly achieved the impossible.
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