Kwame Thomas

Kwame Thomas
Personal information
Full name Kwame Blair Thomas[1]
Date of birth (1995-09-28) 28 September 1995 (age 29)
Place of birth Nottingham, England
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Ebbsfleet United
Number 39
Youth career
2012–2014 Derby County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2016 Derby County 4 (0)
2015 → Notts County (loan) 5 (0)
2015 → Blackpool (loan) 18 (0)
2016–2018 Coventry City 14 (3)
2017 → Sutton United (loan) 4 (0)
2017–2018 → Solihull Moors (loan) 25 (4)
2018–2019 Solihull Moors 14 (0)
2019 → Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 5 (0)
2019–2020 Doncaster Rovers 10 (3)
2020 Burton Albion 2 (0)
2020–2022 Wrexham 35 (9)
2022–2023 Sutton United 11 (0)
2023 → Dundee (loan) 12 (3)
2023–2024 Aldershot Town 42 (6)
2024– Ebbsfleet United 12 (1)
International career‡
2011 England U16 1 (2)
2011 England U17 4 (1)
2014–2015 England U20 9 (2)
2024– Saint Kitts and Nevis 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:00, 21 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 24 March 2024

Kwame Blair Thomas (born 28 September 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for National League club Ebbsfleet United. Born in England, he represents the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team.

A tall and physical player, he represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-20 level and was part of England's Under-20 Four Nations Tournament success in October 2014. At club level he came through the Derby County Academy to make his professional debut in the Championship in November 2014. He spent time on loan at Notts County and Blackpool, before leaving Derby for Coventry City in July 2016. He spent the first half of the 2016–17 season injured and Coventry went on to be relegated out of League One. He spent the next season on loan at National League sides Sutton United and Solihull Moors, before he was allowed to join Solihull on a permanent basis in February 2018. He was released by the Moors at the end of the 2018–19 campaign, following a brief loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers.

Club career

[edit]

Derby County

[edit]

Having made progress through Derby County academy following his two years as a scholar,[3] Thomas signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2014, just months after receiving the club's Under-21s Player of the Year award.[4][5] On 29 November 2014, Thomas made his debut as a 66th-minute substitute in a Championship defeat to Leeds United, missing a good chance to score with ten minutes left to play.[6][7] On 12 January 2015, Thomas joined League One club Notts County on a one-month youth loan.[8] On 20 January, he was sent off for a second bookable offence in a 0–0 draw at Doncaster Rovers after showing a delayed response to being substituted – "Magpies" manager Shaun Derry was also dismissed for protesting the decision; assistant manager Greg Abbott theorised that referee Richard Clark had not realised Thomas had already been booked when he initially showed the yellow card.[9] He made his return to Derby after one month at Meadow Lane as "Rams" striker Chris Martin was injured and manager Steve McClaren needed cover up front.[10][7]

On 29 July 2015, Thomas joined League One side Blackpool on a six-month loan deal.[11] He made 22 appearances for the "Tangerines", which included six starts. He was recalled early from his loan in November, much to "Pool" manager Neil McDonald's disappointment, despite Thomas's failure to score at Bloomfield Road.[12] Back with Derby he helped Rory Delap's under-21 side to win the 2015–16 Professional Development League 2 title, but left Pride Park after he was released in the summer.[7]

Coventry City

[edit]

On 1 July 2016, Thomas signed a two-year contract with Coventry City.[13] Manager Tony Mowbray said that "he has a lot of assets and it's a question of moulding him in the right way because I think he's got the potential to be a really good footballer".[14] However he was hit with an abdominal injury five minutes into his second substitute appearance for the "Sky Blues" and spent the next six months in recovery.[15] He marked his recovery with his first goal for Russell Slade's side in a 3–2 defeat at Oldham Athletic on 11 February.[16] Seven days later he proved to be a "revelation" after helping Coventry to record their first win in 16 games, as he and namesake George Thomas shared City's two goals in a 2–1 victory over Gillingham at the Ricoh Arena.[17] He ended the 2016–17 season with three goals in 14 games as Coventry were relegated out of League One.[18]

Having struggled again with injury problems in the 2017–18 pre-season, he found himself low down on new manager Mark Robins's pecking order following the arrivals of Duckens Nazon and Tony Andreu, and was limited to a single start in the EFL Trophy.[19][20][21] Robins said that "he has got to go out and try to get some football because his history at the moment is he hasn't played enough games and he breaks down with injuries".[22] On 8 September, he joined National League side Sutton United on a one-month loan deal.[23] However the loan spell at Gander Green Lane was described as a "disappointing" one as he was limited to just two league starts, featuring in the full 90 minutes only once.[24]

Solihull Moors

[edit]

Thomas returned to the National League on a one-month loan at Solihull Moors on 17 November 2017.[25] He scored on his Moors debut on 18 November, to salvage a 1–1 draw at Maidstone United in Mark Yates's first game as manager; assistant manager Tim Flowers said that Thomas was "unplayable" and well worthy of his one-yard tap-in goal.[26] The loan deal was extended by a further month on 5 January.[27] He left Coventry after his contract was terminated by mutual consent on 1 February 2018.[28] He made an immediate return to Damson Park and ended the 2017–18 campaign with four goals in 27 appearances for Solihull.

He failed to score in 19 matches throughout the 2018–19 campaign and was sent off during a 5–0 win over Bromley on 22 September.[29] On 15 March, he joined National League North side Kidderminster Harriers on loan.[30] He started one game for the Harriers, making four further substitute appearances, before being recalled early from his loan spell at Aggborough by Solihull manager Tim Flowers.[31] He left the club upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.[32]

Doncaster Rovers

[edit]

After having trials at Port Vale and Carlisle United in July 2019,[33] Thomas was signed by Doncaster Rovers on 4 October 2019 on a short-term contract till January 2020. On 22 October 2019 he scored his first two goals for the club in a 1–7 win over Southend.[34]

Burton Albion

[edit]

On 4 February 2020, Thomas signed for Burton Albion on a six-month deal.[35]

Wrexham

[edit]

Kwame signed for Wrexham on 29 August 2020 on a one-year deal.[36] After a ruptured achilles injury ended his 2020/2021 season, he was retained by Wrexham who stood by Thomas with another one-year deal. He returned in mid-December 2021, scoring on his return.

Sutton United

[edit]

On 1 July 2022, Thomas joined League Two club Sutton United following his release from Wrexham, returning to the club having played four matches on loan in 2017.[37]

He was released by Sutton at the end of the 2022–23 season.[38]

Dundee (loan)

[edit]

On 19 January 2023, Thomas joined Scottish Championship club Dundee on loan until the end of the season.[39] He would make his debut for the Dark Blues coming off the bench against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup.[40] On 17 February, Thomas suffered a potential concussion in a league game against Greenock Morton.[41] He was able to be in the line-up the following week,[42] but would remain out for the next few weeks. Thomas made his return to the pitch on 1 April, coming off the bench and scoring his first Dundee goal in a 7–0 demolition of Hamilton Academical.[43] Thomas would score a brace against Morton a few weeks later, including a last-minute equaliser.[44] Thomas would come on as a substitute in Dundee's 3–5 away win over Queen's Park which clinched the side the Scottish Championship title.[45]

Aldershot Town

[edit]

On 17 July 2023, Thomas agreed to return to the National League and join Aldershot Town signing a one-year deal.[46] On 28 August, Thomas would play part of a league game away to Eastleigh as a goalkeeper after Shots goalie Jordi van Stappershoef was sent off.[47] Thomas scored his first goal for Aldershot on 30 September, netting a late winner over Dagenham & Redbridge.[48]

Ebbsfleet United

[edit]

On 19 July 2024, Thomas joined National League club Ebbsfleet United.[49] He made his debut from the bench in the league opener away to Gateshead.[50] Thomas scored his first goal for the Fleet on 26 October, netting a last-minute equaliser at home against Wealdstone.[51]

International career

[edit]

Born in England, Thomas is of Kittitian and Ghanaian descent.[52][53] Thomas has represented England at under-16, under-17, and under-20 levels.[7][54] He scored two goals for the under-20s, in friendlies against Romania and the United States.[55] He played in all three of England's games in the Under-20 Four Nations Tournament in October 2014, which England won after finishing ahead of Germany, Netherlands and Turkey.[55] He was named in Aidy Boothroyd's squad for the 2015 Toulon Tournament in France and was an unused substitute up until the third-place play-off match at Stade Mayol, which he started; England finished fourth after losing 2–1 to the United States.[55]

Thomas was called up to the Saint Kitts and Nevis national team on 21 March 2024.[56] Thomas made his debut for the Sugar Boyz on 24 March 2024, starting in their international friendly against San Marino in Serravalle.[57]

Style of play

[edit]

A powerful forward, he is a threat in the air and on the ground.[7] Former Derby youth coach Darren Wassall described him as a "model professional".[58] Before being released by Coventry, Academy coach Jason Farndon said that "his physicality has always been his main threat but now everyone is catching up with his physicality so he has got to reinvent himself."[28]

Personal life

[edit]

Thomas grew up supporting Arsenal and idolizing Thierry Henry. He is a devout Christian. He went to school with Offrande Zanzala and the two remained good friends into adulthood.[59]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 21 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Derby County 2014–15[60] Championship 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
2015–16[61] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Notts County (loan) 2014–15[60] League One 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Blackpool (loan) 2015–16[61] League One 18 0 1 0 1 0 2[a] 0 22 0
Coventry City 2016–17[62] League One 14 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 3
2017–18[63] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 1 0
Total 14 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 15 3
Sutton United (loan) 2017–18[64] National League 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Solihull Moors 2017–18[64] National League 25 4 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 27 4
2018–19[64] National League 14 0 4 0 0 0 1[b] 0 19 0
Total 39 4 4 0 0 0 3 0 46 4
Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 2018–19[64] National League North 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Doncaster Rovers 2019–20[64] League One 10 3 3 0 0 0 3[a] 0 16 3
Burton Albion 2019–20[64] League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Wrexham 2020–21[64] National League 29 9 1 0 — 1[b] 0 31 9
2021–22[65] National League 6 0 0 0 0 0 2[b] 2 8 2
Total 35 9 1 0 0 0 3 2 39 11
Sutton United 2022–23[66] League Two 11 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 13 0
Dundee (loan) 2022–23[66] Scottish Championship 12 3 1 0 — 2[c] 0 15 3
Aldershot Town 2023–24[64] National League 42 6 4 0 — 2[b] 0 48 6
Ebbsfleet United 2024–25[64] National League 12 1 1 0 — 0 0 13 1
Career total 213 29 16 0 2 0 17 2 248 31
  1. ^ a b c d Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d e Appearances in FA Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup

Honours

[edit]

Dundee

England U20

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Kwame Thomas". Official Website of the Harriers - Kidderminster Harriers FC. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Kwame Thomas". Derby County F.C. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  4. ^ "Derby County U21/U18 Retained List". Derby County F.C. 3 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ "Buxton Named Club Player of The Year". Derby County F.C. 30 April 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "Leeds 2 – 0 Derby". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  7. ^ a b c d e McCartney, Aidan (1 July 2016). "Who is Kwame Thomas? All you need to know about Sky Blues new signing". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  8. ^ "Kwame Thomas: Notts County sign Derby County striker". BBC Sport. 12 January 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  9. ^ "Kwame Thomas: Notts County red card chaos avoidable - Abbott". BBC Sport. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Derby County's Kwame Thomas And Alefe Santos Return". Notts County F.C. 12 February 2015. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ^ "Kwame Thomas: Blackpool sign Derby County striker on loan". BBC Sport. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  12. ^ "Kwame Thomas: Derby County recall striker from Blackpool". BBC Sport. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  13. ^ "Coventry City: Kwame Thomas signs two-year deal after Derby County release". BBC Sport. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  14. ^ Turner, Andy (30 January 2017). "Forgotten forward returns for Sky Blues". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  15. ^ Turner, Andy (22 February 2017). "Kwame Thomas out to make his name with Sky Blues". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  16. ^ "Oldham Athletic 3-2 Coventry City". BBC Sport. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  17. ^ Turner, Andy (20 February 2017). "Sky Blues finally show they can fight 'til the game is won". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  18. ^ Hutchinson, Gary (10 April 2019). "'Did someone say striker?' – Many Coventry fans were right to doubt this failed 2016 signing". Football League World. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  19. ^ Turner, Andy (14 August 2017). "Coventry City boss Mark Robins reveals players could leave before window shuts". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  20. ^ Turner, Andy (1 November 2017). "Struggling Sky Blues striker needs to reinvent himself". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  21. ^ Turner, Andy (8 November 2017). "Kwame in from cold, double first for twins, Biamou breaks his duck". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  22. ^ Turner, Andy (10 September 2017). "Does Coventry City striker Kwame Thomas still have a future at the club?". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  23. ^ Turner, Andy (8 September 2017). "Coventry City's Kwame Thomas loaned out to non-league Sutton". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  24. ^ Turner, Andy (9 October 2017). "Sky Blues digest: All today's news in one handy package". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  25. ^ "Kwame Thomas: Coventry City loan striker to Solihull Moors". BBC Sport. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  26. ^ Turner, Andy (20 November 2017). "How Kwame did on his loan debut - including boss's surprise verdict". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  27. ^ "Max O'Leary and Kwame Thomas extend Solihull Moors loan deals". BBC Sport. 5 January 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  28. ^ a b Turner, Andy (1 February 2018). "Coventry City striker leaves club by mutual consent". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  29. ^ "Solihull Moors 5-0 Bromley". BBC Sport. 22 September 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  30. ^ "Duo head to Kiddy - News - Solihull Moors FC". www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  31. ^ "Solihull Moors call back Thomas from Harriers | Non League Daily". Archived from the original on 16 April 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  32. ^ "2018/19 retained list - News - Solihull Moors FC". www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  33. ^ Baggaley, Michael (19 July 2019). "Trialist striker gets chance at Carlisle after leaving Port Vale". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  34. ^ "Rovers sign striker Kwame Thomas". Doncaster Rovers F.C. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  35. ^ "BREWERS SIGN STRIKER KWAME THOMAS". Burton Albion F.C. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  36. ^ "Kwame Thomas signs one-year deal at Wrexham AFC". Wrexham A.F.C. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  37. ^ "Welcome (back) Kwame Thomas". www.suttonunited.net. 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  38. ^ "Squad Update". www.suttonunited.net. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  39. ^ "Kwame joins". Dundee Football Club - Official Website. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  40. ^ "St Mirren v Dundee". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  41. ^ Mackie, Fraser (17 February 2023). "Gary Bowyer gives Kwame Thomas update after Dundee stumble to defeat at Morton". The Courier. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  42. ^ "Dundee v Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  43. ^ "Dundee point off top after giving Hamilton seven". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  44. ^ "Dramatic equaliser takes Dundee a point clear". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  45. ^ a b "Dundee back in Premiership after eight-goal epic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  46. ^ "NEW SIGNING: KWAME THOMAS". Aldershot Town F.C. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  47. ^ "Eastleigh 3-0 Aldershot Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  48. ^ "Aldershot Town 3-2 Dagenham & Redbridge". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  49. ^ "Kwame the next name on Fleet's new-recruits list - Ebbsfleet United Football Club | Official Website of the Fleet". 19 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  50. ^ "Gateshead 5-1Ebbsfleet United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  51. ^ "Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Wealdstone: National League". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  52. ^ "Haji Mnoga and Kwame Thomas receive international call ups! | Aldershot Town FC". 21 March 2024.
  53. ^ "Ghanaian forward Kwame Thomas suffers injury in season opener for Solihull against Eastleigh". GhanaSoccernet. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  54. ^ "Derby County Trio Hughes, Ibe & Thomas Feature For England At Youth International Level". Derby County F.C. 6 September 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  55. ^ a b c d "England Matches - Under-20's". www.englandfootballonline.com. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  56. ^ "Haji Mnoga and Kwame Thomas receive international call ups! | Aldershot Town FC". 21 March 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  57. ^ "San Marino vs. St. Kitts and Nevis (24 Mar, 2024) Live Score - ESPN (UK)". ESPN. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  58. ^ "Darren Wassall Hails Kwame Thomas Progress". www.dcfc.co.uk. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  59. ^ Baines, Ollie (21 August 2016). "Coventry City and England U20 international, Kwame Thomas: "Jesus is the source of my success"". Cross The Line. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  60. ^ a b "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  61. ^ a b "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  62. ^ "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  63. ^ "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  64. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kwame Thomas at Soccerway
  65. ^ "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  66. ^ a b "Games played by Kwame Thomas in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
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