Ijah Anderson

Ijah Anderson
Personal information
Full name Ijah Massai Anderson[1]
Date of birth (1975-12-30) 30 December 1975
Place of birth Hackney, England
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[2]
Playing position Left back, left midfielder
Youth career
0000–1993 Tottenham Hotspur
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993–1994 Tottenham Hotspur 0 (0)
1994–1995 Southend United 0 (0)
1995–2003 Brentford 202 (4)
2002–2003 → Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 5 (0)
2003 → Bristol Rovers (loan) 14 (0)
2003–2004 Bristol Rovers 39 (0)
2004–2006 Swansea City 18 (0)
2006 Lewes 4 (0)
Harlow Town
0000–2008 Bromley 4 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Ijah Massai Anderson (born 30 December 1975) is a retired English professional football left back, who made over 200 appearances in the Football League for Brentford. He also played league football for Bristol Rovers, Swansea City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Career

Early years

A left midfielder, Anderson began his career in the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur and signed his first professional contract in 1993.[2] He failed to make an appearance during the 1993–94 season and was released at the end of the campaign.[2] He dropped down to the First Division to sign for Southend United in August 1994, but again failed to make an appearance before being released at the end of the 1994–95 season.[3]

Brentford

Anderson joined Second Division club Brentford on a free transfer in July 1995 and signed a two-year contract.[4] He began the 1995–96 season as manager David Webb's first choice left midfielder, before being dropped in favour of Jon Hooker in September 1995.[5] Anderson continued as a substitute throughout much of the season, before gradually breaking into the team at left back and was such an able deputy that regular left back Martin Grainger was able to be sold in March 1996.[5] He made 31 appearances and scored three goals during the 1995–96 season.[6] Anderson signed a contract extension in September 1996 and missed just three matches of the 1996–97 season,[7] making 56 appearances,[8] but the campaign ended on a sour note with defeat in the 1997 Second Division play-off Final.[9] Anderson was again a regular during the 1997–98 season,[10] before a broken leg suffered in training in November 1997 ended his season.[11]

After Brentford's relegation to the Third Division at the end of the 1997–98 season, Anderson returned fit for 1998–99 under new manager Ron Noades and collected the first silverware of his career when the Bees secured the Third Division title after a 1–0 victory in a "winner takes all" match versus Cambridge United on the final day.[9][12] Back in the Second Division, Anderson missed three months of the 1999–00 season with a thigh injury, but worse was to follow, when he ruptured a knee ligament in training after the opening match of the 2000–01 season.[9] Aside from a thigh injury early in the campaign, Anderson remained fit during the 2001–02 season under new manager Steve Coppell,[13] but again suffered play-off final heartbreak, losing 2–0 to Stoke City.[14] Heading into the final year of his contract and after requesting to be placed on the transfer list,[15] the 2002–03 season marked the beginning of the end for Anderson at Brentford.[16] After spending time away on loan,[15][17] he departed Griffin Park on 17 February 2003.[18] In nearly eight full seasons with Brentford, Anderson made 242 appearances and scored five goals.[9]

Wycombe Wanderers (loan)

On 28 November 2002, Anderson joined Second Division club Wycombe Wanderers on a five-week loan.[15] After making five appearances,[19] his loan was terminated early due to a thigh injury.[20]

Bristol Rovers (loan and permanent transfer)

On 28 January 2003, Anderson joined Third Division club Bristol Rovers on trial.[21] With the Pirates seeking cover for injured left back Trevor Challis,[22] the trial was extended into the second week and on 8 February, Anderson joined the club on loan until the end of the 2002–03 season.[17][23] Later that day, he made his debut for the club with a start in a 2–2 draw with Southend United.[24] On 14 February, the paperwork was completed on a contract running until the end of the season.[18] He made 14 appearances and helped the Pirates to avoid relegation into non-league football.[24][25] Anderson signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Memorial Stadium and he made 41 appearances during a mid-table 2003–04 season.[26][27][28] Anderson was transfer-listed in May 2004 and after failing to make an appearance during the early months of the 2004–05 season,[29][30] his contract was cancelled on 14 October 2004.[31] He made 55 appearances during just over 18 months with the club.[3]

Swansea City

On 26 November 2004, Anderson joined League Two club Swansea City on a one-month contract, as cover for defenders Sam Ricketts and Garry Monk.[32][33] The following day, he made his debut with a start in a 3–1 defeat to Bury.[34] He became a regular in the team and after the contract was extended for a further month,[33] he signed an 18-month contract on 21 January 2005.[35] Anderson had a successful end to the season with the Swans, winning promotion to League One and winning the FAW Premier Cup.[36][37] Anderson was used exclusively as a substitute during the early months of the 2005–06 season,[38] but was suspended by the club on 22 November 2005, after it was confirmed he had failed a drugs test on 1 November.[39] He received a six-month ban from football on 19 December and after waiving his rights to an appeal,[40] he was sacked by Swansea City on 2 January 2006.[41] Anderson made 23 appearances and scored one goal during just over a year with the Swans.[3]

Non-league football

After serving his ban from football, Anderson joined Conference South club Lewes in August 2006.[42] He made just four appearances before being released less than a month later.[43] He later played for Isthmian League First Division North club Harlow Town and ended his career with Conference South club Bromley in 2008.[44][45]

Honours

Brentford

Swansea City

Career statistics

Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Brentford 1995–96[6] Second Division 25 2 3 0 2 1 1[lower-alpha 1] 0 31 3
1996–97[8] 46 1 2 0 4 0 4[lower-alpha 2] 0 56 1
1997–98[10] 17 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 21 0
1998–99[12] Third Division 38 1 2 0 3 0 2[lower-alpha 1] 0 45 1
1999–00[46] Second Division 31 0 0 0 2 0 2[lower-alpha 1] 0 35 0
2000–01[47] 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2001–02[14] 35 0 1 0 2 0 4[lower-alpha 2] 0 42 0
2002–03[24] 9 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 11 0
Total 202 4 8 0 19 1 13 0 242 5
Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 2002–03[24] Second Division 5 0 — — — 5 0
Bristol Rovers 2002–03[24] Third Division 14 0 — — — 14 0
2003–04[27] 39 0 0 0 1 0 1[lower-alpha 1] 0 41 0
2004–05[34] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 53 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 55 0
Swansea City 2004–05[34] League Two 13 0 2 0 — 2[lower-alpha 3] 1 17 1
2005–06[48] League One 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0
Total 18 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 23 1
Lewes 2006–07[49] Conference South 4 0 — — — 4 0
Bromley 2008–09[44] Conference South 4 0 0 0 — 0 0 4 0
Career total 286 4 10 0 21 1 16 1 33 6
  1. 1 2 3 4 Appearances in Football League Trophy.
  2. 1 2 3 appearances in Football League play-offs, 1 appearance in Football League Trophy.
  3. ↑ Appearances in FAW Premier Cup.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Barry Hugman's Footballers – Ijah Anderson". hugmansfootballers.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 "Ijah Anderson". 11v11.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Age 41 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  4. ↑ Croxford, Lane & Waterman 2013, p. 200.
  5. 1 2 Griffin Gazette versus AFC Bournemouth 04/05/96. Quay Design of Poole. 1996. pp. 30–31.
  6. 1 2 Croxford, Mark; Lane, David; Waterman, Greville (2013). The Big Brentford Book Of The Nineties. Sunbury, Middlesex: Legends Publishing. p. 481. ISBN 9781906796723.
  7. ↑ Croxford, Lane & Waterman 2013, p. 230.
  8. 1 2 "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Haynes, Graham; Coumbe, Frank (2006). Timeless Bees: Brentford F.C. Who's Who 1920–2006. Yore Publications. p. 11. ISBN 978-0955294914.
  10. 1 2 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1997/1998 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  11. ↑ Croxford, Lane & Waterman 2013, p. 262.
  12. 1 2 3 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1998/1999 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  13. ↑ "Anderson boost for Brentford". Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  14. 1 2 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2001/2002 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  15. 1 2 3 "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | IJAH HEADS WEST". brentfordfc.co.uk. 27 November 2002. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  16. ↑ "Bees pair staying". 31 July 2002. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  17. 1 2 "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | IJAH JOINS PIRATES ON LOAN". brentfordfc.co.uk. 8 February 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  18. 1 2 "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | END OF AN ERA: IJAH MOVES ON". brentfordfc.co.uk. 17 February 2003. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  19. ↑ "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | IJAH RETURNS". brentfordfc.co.uk. 31 December 2002. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  20. ↑ "Anderson sent back to Brentford". News Shopper. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | Ijah To Become A Pirate". brentfordfc.co.uk. 27 January 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  22. ↑ "Pirates capture Anderson". Sky Sports. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  23. ↑ "Bristol Rovers | News | Latest News | Latest News | Anderson Signs For Pirates". bristolrovers.co.uk. 8 February 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2002/2003 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  25. ↑ "Soccer: Pirates lure for Blues target". Gazette. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  26. ↑ "Bristol Rovers | News | Latest News | Latest News | Howie To Leave, Anderson To Stay". bristolrovers.co.uk. 7 May 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  27. 1 2 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2003/2004 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  28. ↑ "Bristol Rovers Complete History - Statto.com". Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  29. ↑ "Bristol Rovers | News | Latest News | Latest News | ATKINS SHOWS ELEVEN THE EXIT". bristolrovers.co.uk. 11 May 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  30. ↑ "Ijah Anderson Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  31. ↑ "Bristol Rovers | News | Latest News | Latest News | IJAH ANDERSON LEAVES ROVERS". bristolrovers.co.uk. 14 October 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  32. ↑ "Swansea City | News | Latest | Latest | New signings for the Vetch". swanseacity.co.uk. 26 November 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  33. 1 2 "Anderson gets new Swansea deal". 23 December 2004. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  34. 1 2 3 4 "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2004/2005 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  35. ↑ "Swansea City | News | Latest | Latest | IJAH AGREES NEW CONTRACT". swanseacity.co.uk. 21 January 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  36. 1 2 "Swansea 2–1 Wrexham". 11 May 2005. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  37. ↑ "Swansea City Complete History - Statto.com". Archived from the original on 4 April 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  38. ↑ "Ijah Anderson Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  39. ↑ "Anderson tests positive for drugs". BBC Sport. 12 December 2005. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  40. ↑ "Anderson gets six-month drugs ban". BBC Sport. 19 December 2005. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  41. ↑ "Swansea sack disgraced Anderson". 2006. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  42. ↑ "Another impressive recruit for title favourites". Non-League Daily. 11 August 2006. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  43. ↑ Howard Griggs (1 September 2006). "Farrell signs new contract with Lewes". The Argus. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  44. 1 2 "Blue Square Conference South guide – Bromley". Archived from the original on 26 May 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  45. ↑ "Blue Square South Guide/Conference south guide – fixtures, results, news – Latest Transfers". Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  46. ↑ "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1999/2000 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  47. ↑ "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2000/2001 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  48. ↑ "Ijah Anderson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2005/2006 | 1993–2006 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  49. ↑ "Conference South guide – Lewes". Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
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