Non-League and Academy football writer

Talented and versatile, Ahmed Ayoub is a player for London Fennecs, who for the first time this season will play their football at step 6 of the non-League system (Thurlow Nunn League First Division South). Following London Fennecs’ 3-2 win over CSM London at Parsloes Park Hub on Saturday afternoon, I did a short post-match interview with Ahmed (he scored two goals against CSM).

Could you talk me through a bit about your background in football, prior to joining London Fennecs?

Ahmed: Prior to joining Fennecs and immediately after Covid, I joined FC Marylebone. After one season with Marylebone I had a chat with the London Fennecs gaffer, and he recommend that I come down and join them, to see what it’s like. Before Fennecs I was training with step 5 side Harefield United. Just as I was about to make my debut for them in the FA Vase Covid came, and so I didn’t get the opportunity to play for them. Prior to that I was at Brentford, who I was with until I was 15. I was a goalkeeper during my time at Brentford, as well as being the number ten and captain of my school team, at the same time.

What are some of your hopes for this season in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South, with London Fennecs? 

Ahmed: Hopefully we can make the play-offs this season, realistically. Of course everyone wants to win the league, but hopefully we can aim to make the play-offs, and then just build on that.

What has been your standout moment in non-League football so far?

Ahmed: I think that it would have to be winning the Amateur county cup last season. Coming towards the end of last season, we kind of knew that we had the league title, but we’d never won a cup before in four years as a club. So when we won that big and prestigious county cup, it rounded off the double for us, which was a great moment.

Finally, how would you describe yourself as a player?

Ahmed: To sum it up in one word I would say versatile. I’m mainly a forward, but my preferred role is in midfield, where I like to get on the ball. So as a striker I’m not an out and out striker, I’m more of false nine.