Micky's Pembrokeshire
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PHOTOS:
Vincent with some of his many friends locally, including Eddie Bunston & Ernie Tucker from Haverfordwest County.
Vincent Atueyi.
Vincent Atueyi in action.
Vincent will be missed at the Bridge Meadow Stadium
There was a great deal of sadness at the Bridge Meadow Stadium recently with the news that talented young striker Vincent Atueyi has left the county to return to his home in Lagos, Nigeria.
Eighteen year old Vincent has really been taken into the hearts of regulars at Haverfordwest County as he set out with the youth team that played in their league and reached the MacWhirter Cup Final – and eventually began to gain a place in the Welsh Premier Squad.
Special awards – and sad to be going
As a very tall and strong young striker, Vincent has scored his share of goals for the young Bluebirds, as well as setting up chances for others with his aerial ability, and he will be missed next season because he was rightly regarded as a player to watch for the future. His performances last season earned him not only the ‘Top Goalscorer’ award in the club’s under 19s, but also the ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ trophy.
He told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk that he was very sad to be leaving the county but he had no choice because of work permit difficulties but one day soon hopes to return, not least because he will miss his girlfriend, Heather Rowland.
Interesting start
We also asked Vincent how he came to arrive in the far West of Wales and with a huge chuckle he admitted that it was something of a mistake. He’d fully intended starting off his football in Newcastle (up in Geordie land) but somehow found himself at Newcastle Emlyn – which saw him join Haverfordwest County.
Within a very short time he started studying for a BTec in Engineering at Pembrokeshire College. Vincent was soon turning out for a useful college team which included Nathan Evans and Danny Peters – and was quickly involved at the Bridge Meadow Stadium as he played for the club’s team in the Pembrokeshire League and then made his debut for the first team at New Saints, where they lost 5-0. Then he came on as sub at Aberystwyth and almost scored with his first touch.
Sandy pitches in Nigeria
It all seemed a long while from the first time he first started out in the game in his home village of Anambra, playing on sandy pitches.
“It was almost like playing beach football”, says Vincent with a smile!
He always loved playing up front but also helped out in goal or as a centre half – and also won athletics events in the 1500 metres with his genuine strength and speed. He received every support from parents Ben & Henrietta as brothers Ben Jnr and Lewis also played the game, whilst sisters Zel, Wenfrey and Evelyn were also good at other sports.
He played senior football for a team with the exotic name of the ‘Lions of Lagos’, and again scored more than his share of goals!
Looking forward and giving thanks
So what of the future for young Vincent? He has clearly left our area with mixed feelings and as well as looking to play again in Nigeria he is also hoping to try his luck in the USA. He will one day also return to Pembrokeshire – now that he knows where Newcastle and Haverfordwest are!
He was quick to sing the praises of everyone at Haverfordwest, starting with former youth coach Ronnie Beynon and current boss Steve Batty, club chairman Rob Summons and all the other coaches and especially the supporters who have made him feel so welcome throughout his stay in Pembrokeshire.
“I wouldn’t have missed playing for Haverfordwest County for anything” said Vincent, “and I’m really sorry to be going”.
High praise indeed
Club chairman Rob Summons said,
“We are extremely sorry to lose Vincent because he has great potential. He has fitted in really well and he has been a credit to himself, his family and our club – and we wish him every success for the future”.
PembrokeshireSport.co.uk could pay Vincent Atueyi no higher compliment and we wish him a safe journey home, as well as future success!
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