FEATURE | A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

We pay tribute to Jefferson Louis as he hangs up his boots at the age of 46

It’s a real honour that the long and distinguished playing career of Jefferson Louis came to an end here in the Southern League.

The 46 year-old has recently announced his decision to hang up his boots after a career that spanned almost 30 years and no fewer than 51 moves, during which time he has graced our League many times and helped to create some special moments.

Last term he was part of the Thame United side that came so close to making the play-offs in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central and it was during his first spell at the club back at the turn of the millennium that changed not only the course of his career, but his life too.

“I grew up in the hustle and bustle of London,” he told us. “I wasn’t exactly a saint but my mum was extremely supportive and always there for me.

“I didn’t have a lot of belief in myself at the time and sometimes something has to happen to make you live up to your true potential.

“For me it was moving out of London; I didn’t want to, but mum and I moved to Aylesbury and although I couldn’t see it at the time, the move opened doors for me that wouldn’t have been there had we stayed where we were.

“I was 17 and started playing for Risborough Rangers and then had a spell at Aylesbury United, but it was during my time at Thame United that there was a big turnaround.

“I got sent to prison for dangerous driving and whilst inside, Andy Sinnott, my coach and a well-respected figure on the local football scene, came to visit me. None of the male members of my family had done that, but during the visit he told me that I could be anything I wanted to be.

“He said that I could make a career out of football and make something of myself. I’d had people complement me on my football ability before but I needed someone to show their faith in me and Andy did that.

“When I came out of prison I went back to Thame United with Andy, who I still refer to as my ‘football dad’, and got myself into the best shape of my life. I played like a man possessed, I was scoring goals left, right and centre and it earned me the chance to turn professional at Oxford United.

“That was all I ever wanted and I had some great times, including playing against my club, Arsenal, at Highbury. I walked past Arsene Wenger and he knew who I was, then during the game, the Arsenal supporters, knowing that I was a fan, started chanting my name!

“These things stay with you forever and I really enjoyed my time at Oxford United, their fans have always been brilliant with me.”

His journey after leaving the club was to take him far and wide.

“I used to look upon the number of moves I had in a negative way,“ he continued. “But as you get older you realise that it’s a complement that so many managers wanted to sign me; it must be that I am doing something right both as a player and as a person.

“Even into my 40s clubs wanted to sign me and it’s unusual for outfield players to have the longevity that I’ve had at this level.

“I’ve had positive stories from all of the clubs that I’ve been at and made so many friends, which is what counts.”

So, what’s the secret?

“I look after myself,” he added without hesitation. “If you put good into your body, you get good out.

“When I was young, I took things for granted, as most people do, but as you get older you realise that you have to look after yourself better and prepare right. I also went vegan and it’s all paid off for me as I was able to extend my playing career to the age of 46.

“Just because I’m hanging up my boots, it doesn’t mean that I will be letting myself go. I’ll still live right and look after my body because that’s who I am and what I believe in.”

Louis has joined the coaching staff at Slough Town – a club he played for in 2023, but he has insisted that the boots won’t be coming back on.

“That’s it for my playing career,” he said. “My boots will only come back on for training with the lads. All of my efforts now are going to go into coaching and passing on what I have learned, not only in football but life too.

“I’ve taken so many different bits from so many people, as well as my own experiences. I’m still very much open to learning myself but I want to be able to give something back. You can’t teach unless you have experienced it yourself and I’ve certainly done that over the past 30 years or so!”

The Southern League would like to congratulate Jefferson Louis on his long playing career and wish him well in his next chapter.

IMAGE: Thame United FC

Thame United Web Site