Last Tuesday evening saw Dartford host Braintree Town at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Ebou Adams featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:
It’s been written in these pages previously, that the Dartford Academy has produced some real gems over the years. And the player I spoke to recently is no exception.
Ebou Adams burst on the scene against Gillingham in the Kent Senior Cup back in late 2014. And, despite the Darts losing the game, the young midfielder made such an impression that would spark a career trajectory that continues in an upward direction to this day.
It doesn’t seem possible that his Dartford debut was nine years ago, and the timing of our discussion sees the midfielder in a rather busy period…
“Yeah, it’s been a long time since I left Dartford Chris… a long, long time. I’m now playing in the Championship with Cardiff City. I’m in my second season here, and I’m absolutely loving it.”
You read that correctly. Ebou is currently plying his trade as a full-time footballer in the Championship… one step away from the elite level of the Premier League! But, how did he get to where he is now?
He continues, “…From Dartford, I went to Norwich City. I spent two and a half years with the Canaries and, during my time, I went out on loan to Braintree Town, Shrewsbury Town, Leyton Orient, and Dartford’s rivals Ebbsfleet United… HaHaHaHa…!”
Ebou’s career then saw him sign for EFL League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers. He really enjoyed his time there and remained long enough to win the league during his last season, before moving to Cardiff City.
As we rewind back to his debut for Dartford, I ask Ebou if he remembers anything about the 10th of December 2014?
“Wow Chris! That’s a long time ago man, a long time ago! I do vaguely remember the game, but it’s difficult to actually put some recollection as to what happened. I do remember that it was a strong Gillingham side, but a lot of Dartford youngsters played, who all did really well… including myself.”
Despite Dartford losing that game, Ebou’s performance was the launching pad to the start of his career. He went on to make 27 appearances in black and white, 18 of them in the starting eleven, before the Canaries came calling. Does he have a favourite memory from his playing days at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park?
“I wish I’d made more than 27 appearances for Dartford to be honest Chris. The surprise start against Ebbsfleet United is one of my favourites because, even though we lost, I was thrown in at the deep end and still managed to have a good game. I have many fond memories of my time at Dartford, including scoring my first goal. However, my three years at Forest Green is also a favourite memory, especially when we won League Two. I learned so much there, and made some really good friends.”
Seeing that Ebou mentioned his one and only goal scored for Dartford, can he actually remember it? Afterall, it was during the 2015-16 season in front of the home crowd and against Havant & Waterlooville…
“How can I ever forget my first goal for Dartford!? It’s probably one of my favourite well-taken goals Chris. I remember driving into the box and, just as I got there, I remember seeing a little gap. Then I literally placed the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of my foot. That’s one of my favourite goals of my career so far.”
Naturally, the beautiful game also comes with the occasional ugly moment. Prior to the beauty of Ebou’s first goal for the Darts, he got sent off against Macclesfield Town. During our discussion, Ebou’s honesty and humbleness truly shines through as he talks about that sending off…
“Yeah, I remember a lot about that Chris. It was probably one of my first starts for Dartford, and I was very young. The thing is Chris, I was so upset with myself because, I was having such a good game and enjoying myself out there. A lot of the boys on the day kept telling me not to worry about it, as you played really well, but it was a shame to get the red card. It was probably very naive of me at the time. But, listen… it was probably a lesson that I learned a lot from.”
He continues… “I believe it was my first start in the National League for the Darts, which was going really well. Just a shame man. The first yellow card was alright, but the second was me being naive. I kicked on from there, though, and really enjoyed my Dartford career.”
Despite his Dartford career being a short one, I ask Ebou what comes to mind when he looks back and thinks of the club.
“A lot sticks out to me when I think of the club to be fair. It’s where I started my career. It was the place of me actually playing football at a senior level. It made me who I am today to be fair. It was a massive step for me to overcome and enjoy, and I made a lot of friends and family there. I really enjoyed working with the coaches there as well. I’m home grown from there, and it’s lead me to where I am today.”
Does he still keep an eye on the Darts?
“How could I not Chris? Every Saturday, the first thing I look up is Dartford and all my other clubs that I’ve played for. I’ve been watching them over the years, but especially after the heart-breaking play-off finals. Not succeeding twice hurts a lot. I know this year’s not seen the greatest start, but I’m still watching and hoping they do well and succeed by getting promoted. I never have and never will stop following Dartford. It’s a club that holds a special place in my heart.”
During his playing career to date, Ebou has played alongside some talented players. But, who would he say is an underrated player in his opinion?
“Man, that’s a tough question! I’m going to change it to the best player I’ve played with, which is James Maddison (at Tottenham). He’s a very good player, and it’s great to see him enjoying himself and playing at the highest level.”
And, what about an underrated player he’s played against?
“HaHaHaHa…! That’s another tough one! Again, I’m changing it to the best player I’ve played against! It’s so tough because, I’ve played against some really good players. But, the stand out one for me is… ah man, I don’t know! It’s between two people. Underrated at the time would be a good question… Yves Bissouma (at Tottenham). He was a very, very good player technically, and he’s now showcasing his ability and skill. It’s between him and Riyad Mahrez (at Al-Ahli). Such a hard choice Chris!”
And now for something completely different to finish with… I asked Ebou which five players (that he’s played alongside/against) he’d pick if he was involved in a five-a-side tournament. This is what he said…
“My five-a-side team would be, Dean Henderson (at Crystal Palace) in goal. Then I’d have Riyad Mahrez (at Al-Ahli), Yves Bissouma (at Tottenham), and Sofiane Boufal (at Al-Rayyan SC) in the midfield, with Memphis Depay (at Atletico Madrid) up front.”
By Chris Palmer