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Ijah Anderson

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Ijah Anderson
Personal information
Full name Ijah Massai Anderson[1]
Date of birth (1975-12-30) 30 December 1975 (age 48)
Place of birth Hackney, England
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[2]
Position(s) Left back, left midfielder
Youth career
–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)
2006 Harlow Town
–2008 Bromley 4 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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

Career

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Early years

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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

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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] Entering 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] On 28 November 2002, Anderson joined Second Division club Wycombe Wanderers on a five-week loan.[15] After making five appearances,[17] his loan was terminated early due to a thigh injury.[18] After returning to fitness and a second loan,[19] Anderson departed Griffin Park on 17 February 2003.[20] In nearly eight full seasons with Brentford, he made 242 appearances and scored five goals.[9]

Bristol Rovers

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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.[19][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.[20] 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

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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

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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][46]

Personal life

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Following his football career, Anderson was diagnosed with autism.[47] As of August 2021, Anderson was working full-time for the National Health Service.[48] He has interests in music (which include production, hosting events and radio) and clothing.[48]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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[a] 0 31 3
1996–97[8] Second Division 46 1 2 0 4 0 4[b] 0 56 1
1997–98[10] Second Division 17 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 21 0
1998–99[12] Third Division 38 1 2 0 3 0 2[a] 0 45 1
1999–00[49] Second Division 31 0 0 0 2 0 2[a] 0 35 0
2000–01[50] Second Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2001–02[14] Second Division 35 0 1 0 2 0 4[b] 0 42 0
2002–03[24] Second Division 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] Third Division 39 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 41 0
2004–05[34] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 58 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 60 0
Swansea City 2004–05[34] League Two 13 0 2 0 — 2[c] 1 17 1
2005–06[51] 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[52] Conference South 4 0 — — — 4 0
Bromley 2008–09[45] Conference South 4 0 0 0 — 0 0 4 0
Career total 286 4 10 0 21 1 16 1 333 6
  1. ^ a b c d Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b 3 appearances in Football League play-offs, 1 appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in FAW Premier Cup

Honours

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Brentford

Swansea City

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ijah Anderson". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Ijah Anderson". 11v11.com. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b c Ijah Anderson at Soccerbase
  4. ^ Croxford, Lane & Waterman 2013, p. 200.
  5. ^ a b Griffin Gazette versus AFC Bournemouth. Quay Design of Poole. 4 May 1996. pp. 30–31.
  6. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  9. ^ a b c d Haynes, Graham; Coumbe, Frank (2006). Timeless Bees: Brentford F.C. Who's Who 1920–2006. Yore Publications. p. 11. ISBN 978-0955294914.
  10. ^ a b "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  11. ^ Croxford, Lane & Waterman 2013, p. 262.
  12. ^ a b c "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  13. ^ "Anderson boost for Brentford". Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  14. ^ a b "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  15. ^ a b "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. ^ "Ijah Returns". brentfordfc.co.uk. 31 December 2002. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Anderson sent back to Brentford". News Shopper. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  19. ^ a b "Ijah Joins Pirates On Loan". brentfordfc.co.uk. 8 February 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  20. ^ a b "End Of An Era: Ijah Moves On". brentfordfc.co.uk. 17 February 2003. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  21. ^ "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. ^ "Anderson Signs For Pirates". bristolrovers.co.uk. 8 February 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  24. ^ a b c d e "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  25. ^ "Soccer: Pirates lure for Blues target". Gazette. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  26. ^ "Howie To Leave, Anderson To Stay". bristolrovers.co.uk. 7 May 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  27. ^ a b "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  28. ^ "Bristol Rovers Complete History". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  29. ^ "Atkins Shows Eleven The Exit". bristolrovers.co.uk. 11 May 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  30. ^ "Ijah Anderson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  31. ^ "Ijah Anderson Leaves Rovers". bristolrovers.co.uk. 14 October 2004. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  32. ^ "New signings for the Vetch". swanseacity.co.uk. 26 November 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  33. ^ a b "Anderson gets new Swansea deal". 23 December 2004. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  34. ^ a b c d "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  35. ^ "Ijah Agrees New Contract". swanseacity.co.uk. 21 January 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  36. ^ a b "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. 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.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  43. ^ Griggs, Howard (1 September 2006). "Farrell signs new contract with Lewes". The Argus. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  44. ^ "A and B." The Bristol Rovers History Group. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  45. ^ a b "Blue Square Conference South guide – Bromley". Archived from the original on 26 May 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  46. ^ "Blue Square South Guide/Conference south guide – fixtures, results, news – Latest Transfers". Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  47. ^ @BrentfordFC (2 April 2024). "Brentford cult hero Ijah Anderson was diagnosed with Autism after his football career finished. On #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, we sat down with Ijah as he opened up about his autism journey. Ijah Anderson – My Autism Superpower ❤️" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ a b Taneja, Anshu (16 August 2021). "Former Brentford hero Ijah Anderson still scoring by bringing hope and positivity to other people's lives". Voice Online. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  49. ^ "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  50. ^ "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  51. ^ "Games played by Ijah Anderson in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  52. ^ "Conference South guide – Lewes". Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
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