Aramide Oteh Explained

Aramide Oteh
Fullname:Aramide Jay Oteh[1]
Birth Date:10 September 1998
Birth Place:Lee, England
Height:1.76m (05.77feet)[2]
Position:Forward
Currentclub:Walsall
Clubnumber:20
Youthyears1: 2006–2017
Youthclubs1:Tottenham Hotspur
Youthyears2:2017
Youthclubs2:Queens Park Rangers (work experience)
Years1:2017–2021
Clubs1:Queens Park Rangers
Caps1:17
Goals1:1
Years2:2019
Clubs2:Walsall (loan)
Caps2:13
Goals2:1
Years3:2019–2020
Clubs3:Bradford City (loan)
Caps3:18
Goals3:3
Years4:2020–2021
Clubs4:Stevenage (loan)
Caps4:13
Goals4:4
Years5:2021
Clubs5:Colchester United (loan)
Caps5:13
Goals5:1
Years6:2021–2022
Clubs6:Salford City
Caps6:10
Goals6:1
Years7:2022–2023
Clubs7:Crawley Town
Caps7:38
Goals7:7
Years8:2023–
Clubs8:Walsall
Caps8:11
Goals8:2
Club-Update:00:30, 29 November 2023 (UTC)

Aramide Jay Oteh (born 10 September 1998) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Walsall.

Oteh began his career with the Academy of Tottenham Hotspur, before he was released in 2017 having made no appearances for the club's first team. Having previously spent time with the club on a work experience loan, he then signed permanently for Queens Park Rangers, where he made his professional debut in 2017. Oteh spent the majority of his time at the club out on loan, having spells with Walsall, Bradford City, Stevenage, and Colchester United. After four years with QPR, he was released by the club in 2021, before signing for Salford on a short-term contract.

Club career

Tottenham Hotspur

Born in Lee, London and of Nigerian descent, Oteh began his career with the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, first playing in the under-8s.[3] Oteh was profiled for Tottenham's website in 2015, where he spoke of his desire to emulate former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe due to his movement and his ability to score goals, and said he enjoyed watching Harry Kane train due to his finishing skills and his physical strength.[4] On 18 January 2017, Oteh joined fellow London team Queens Park Rangers on a work experience loan.[5] His Tottenham contract was terminated by mutual consent on 27 February at the age of 18.[6]

Queens Park Rangers

On 5 May 2017, Oteh signed for QPR on a permanent basis.[7] His form for QPR's Under-23 team led him to be considered for a place in the first team,[8] and he made his professional debut as a 69th-minute substitute for Bright Osayi-Samuel in a 1–0 defeat to Millwall at The Den on 29 December.[9] After the match, Oteh said that "it's up to me to keep improving and showing the manager what I'm capable of".[10] He scored his first senior goal in a 3–1 away win against Burton Albion on 13 January 2018,[11] after which QPR manager Ian Holloway said it was "exciting" to have players such as Oteh in his team.[12] Oteh scored 16 goals during the 2017–18 for QPR's Under-23 team,[13] and he was nominated for the QPR Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2017–18 season.[14] Oteh's performances in his first season at the club lead to him signing a new three-year contract with The R's in September, and he praised coaches Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand for helping him develop as a player.[15]

On 6 January 2019, he scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in QPR's 2–1 FA Cup win against Leeds United, receiving praise from manager Steve McClaren for displaying "great courage, a great mentality";[16] it was QPR's first outright win in the FA Cup since 1997.[17] At the end of the 2018–19 season, Oteh was again nominated for QPR's Young Player of the Year award.[18] On 20 May 2021, Oteh was released by QPR at the expiry of his contract,[19] having scored two goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.[20]

Walsall and Bradford City loans

On 30 January 2019, Oteh joined EFL League One team Walsall on a loan deal until the end of the 2018–19 season,[21] and made his debut for the club in a defeat to Rochdale on 2 February.[22] Walsall manager Dean Keates described Oteh as a player with "really good pedigree", and credited QPR coach Paul Hall in helping orchestrate the move,[23] with Walsall winning out over Southend United.[24] His first and only goal for the club came on 19 April, when he scored a last minute penalty to equalise in a 1–1 draw with Southend United,[25] helping break The Saddlers six-match losing streak.[26] Walsall were relegated at the end of the season, with local newspaper Express & Star saying he hadn't had the "desired impact" to help in their survival battle.[27]

On 2 September he signed on loan for EFL League Two team Bradford City.[28] Bradford manager Gary Bowyer said that he expected Oteh to make a "massive contribution" as back up to strikers James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson.[29] He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win against Morecambe on 12 October,[30] and credited Vaughan and Donaldson as being role models and helping him improve his game.[31] Following an injury to Donaldson, Oteh began playing more regularly, and by December Bowyer had noted his progress, while admitting there was still room for improvement, saying "he's certainly done better on his second loan but I still think he can push himself harder. We've spoken to him and he’s aware of that".[32] He scored his final goal for the club on 1 January 2020, coming on as a substitute to score the winner 11 minutes from time in a 1–0 win against Morecambe.[33] He was recalled by QPR on 31 January 2020, having scored five goals for Bradford.[34]

Stevenage and Colchester United loans

On 16 October 2020, Oteh signed on loan for League Two team Stevenage on a season-long loan.[35] After initially being used as a substitute for Stevenage, he found his way into the starting line-up, and scored the equaliser against Morecambe in a 1–1 draw on 14 November,[36] and after scoring in a 2–1 win over Port Vale 10 days later, noted that he was enjoying his strike partnership with Danny Newton due to their contrasting styles.[37] However, having scored four goals in 13 appearances, Oteh was recalled early from his loan by QPR in January 2021.[38]

On 19 January 2021, Oteh joined League Two team Colchester United on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 season,[39] having been a target prior to his loan to Stevenage.[40] He scored his first goal for The U's in a 2–1 defeat to Exeter City, and described it as a "bittersweet" moment.[41] He finished his loan at Colchester with one goal in 13 appearances.[20] Manager Hayden Mullins, Oteh's third manager in his time at Colchester, later said he had been unlucky not to have made more appearances due to the form of strike pairing Michael Folivi and Frank Nouble.[42]

Salford City

Following his release by QPR, Oteh went on trial with League One side Doncaster Rovers in July 2021,[43] and was being monitored by Coventry City and Derby County.[44] On 25 September, he signed for League Two side Salford City on a short-term contract until January 2022.[45] He made his debut on the same day, coming on as a second-half substitute in a league match against Northampton Town.[46] His first goal for the club came on 3 November, giving Salford a 3–2 lead in an eventual 5–3 win against Leeds United U21s in the EFL Trophy.[47]

Crawley Town

In February 2022, Oteh joined League Two side Crawley Town on a free transfer following his release by Salford.[48] Manager John Yems expressed his joy at signing Oteh, saying he had a "point to prove".[49] His first goal for the club came on 8 February, scoring the opening goal in a 3–1 win against Harrogate Town,[50] Crawley's first ever win over Harrogate.[51]

Walsall

On 24 July 2023, Oteh returned to Walsall, this time on a permanent transfer from Crawley.[52]

Style of play

Oteh is a versatile attacking player capable of playing in numerous positions and roles. His preference is to play as a centre-forward, but can play as a winger or a second striker.[53]

Personal life

Born in England, Oteh is of Nigerian and Jamaican descent.[54]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Queens Park Rangers2017–18Championship6100000061
2018–19Championship2021100051
2019–20Championship9000000090
2020–21Championship0000100010
Total171212000212
Walsall (loan)2018–19League One131000000131
Bradford City (loan)2019–20League Two183210020234
Stevenage (loan)2020–21League Two134300000164
Colchester United (loan)2020–21League Two13100131
Salford City2021–22League Two101200021142
Crawley Town2021–22League Two8200000082
2022–23League Two204102022256
Total286102022338
Career total11217102406313322

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EFL – Squad List 2023/24: Walsall – In Squad Players . English Football League . 142 . 6 May 2024.
  2. Web site: A. Oteh: Summary . 4 February 2022 . Soccerway . Perform Group.
  3. News: Nigerian Starlet Aramide Oteh Tipped To Shine For Tottenham Hotspur . Nigeria Soccernet . 23 May 2016 . 30 December 2017.
  4. News: Academy Profile — Aramide Oteh . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 24 November 2015 . 18 October 2021.
  5. News: McIntyre . David . QPR look at Spurs teenager Oteh . West London Sport . 18 January 2017 . 30 December 2017.
  6. Web site: Veysey . Wayne . Exclusive: Tottenham terminate striker's contract . Football Insider . 31 March 2017 . 3 January 2018.
  7. Web site: Aramide Oteh Signs QPR Deal . Queens Park Rangers F.C. . 5 May 2017 . 30 December 2017.
  8. Web site: Spencer . Phil . Five QPR players who've played themselves into Ian Holloway's Burton Albion plans after Charlton victory . MyLondon . 8 January 2018 . 18 October 2021.
  9. Web site: Millwall 1-0 Queens Park Rangers . . 29 December 2017 . 30 December 2017.
  10. Web site: Oteh keen to make his mark at QPR . West London Sport . 3 January 2018 . 18 October 2021.
  11. Web site: Burton Albion 1–3 Queens Park Rangers . BBC Sport . 13 January 2018 . 7 May 2018 .
  12. Web site: Spencer . Phil . Ian Holloway 'delighted' with QPR performance, and hails former Tottenham youngster for goal against Burton . MyLondon . 13 January 2018 . 18 October 2021.
  13. Web site: Aramide Oteh signs new Queens Park Rangers deal . . 4 September 2018 . 18 October 2021.
  14. Web site: Kingsley . Igho . Nigerian Duo Shortlisted For Queens Park Rangers Young Player Of The Year . All Nigeria Soccer . 19 April 2018 . 19 October 2021.
  15. Web site: O'Rourke . James . QPR striker signs new contract . The 72 . 4 September 2018 . 18 October 2021.
  16. Web site: Steve McClaren hails QPR's young guns following Leeds win . Eurosport . 6 January 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  17. Web site: QPR finally win FA Cup tie . . 7 January 2019 . 19 October 2021 . subscription.
  18. Web site: Emmanuel . Ifeanyi . Three Attack-Minded Nigerian Players Nominated For QPR's Young Player Of The Year . All Nigeria Soccer . 24 April 2019 . 19 October 2021.
  19. News: New deal for Carroll as Smyth is among six released by QPR . West London Sport . 20 May 2021 . 20 May 2021.
  20. Web site: Waldron . Jonathan . Ex-Colchester United loanee Aramide Oteh released by QPR . . 20 May 2021 . 21 October 2021.
  21. Web site: Saddlers bring in Aramide Oteh on loan! . Walsall F.C. . 30 January 2019 . 30 January 2019.
  22. Web site: Masi . Joseph . Aramide Oteh vows to bring goals to Walsall . . 8 February 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  23. Web site: Spencer . Phil . The familiar face who orchestrated QPR prospect Aramide Oteh's loan switch to Walsall . Football.London . 30 January 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  24. Web site: Phillips . Chris . Southend United miss out on Queens Park Rangers' Aramide Oteh as striker joins Walsall on loan . . 30 January 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  25. Web site: Walsall 1-1 Southend United: Aramide Oteh's 94th-minute penalty rescues Walsall a draw with fellow strugglers Southend in their quest for League One survival . BBC Sport . 19 April 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  26. Web site: Masi . Joseph . Loane ace Oteh hoping to fire Saddlers to safety . . 22 April 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  27. Web site: Masi . Joseph . The reasons it went wrong for the Saddlers . . 6 May 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  28. Web site: Aramide Oteh & Dylan Connolly: Bradford City sign duo on season-long loan deals . . 2 September 2019 . 6 December 2019.
  29. Web site: Parker . Simon . On-loan Oteh can 'learn loads' from strikers . . 5 September 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  30. Web site: Parker . Simon . 'We won't get big-headed', says striker Oteh . . 14 October 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  31. Web site: Parker . Simon . On-loan Oteh keen to make a big noise . . 18 October 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  32. Web site: Parker . Simon . Bowyer raises the bar for on-loan Oteh . . 13 December 2019 . 18 October 2021.
  33. Web site: Parker . Simon . Gary Bowyer: Bradford City's subs set the benchmark after victory . . 2 January 2020 . 18 October 2021.
  34. Web site: Bennett . Dan . QPR recall striker Oteh from loan at Bradford . . 31 January 2020 . 18 October 2021.
  35. Web site: Stevenage: Ben Coker signs a permanent deal and Aramide Oteh joins on loan . . 16 October 2020 . 18 October 2021.
  36. Web site: Dagless . George . Aramide Oteh: Has he got a QPR future? How's he getting on out on loan? . Football League World . 24 November 2020 . 18 October 2021.
  37. Web site: Metcalfe . Neil . Aramide Oteh hoping the burgeoning double act with Danny Newton continues to bear fruit . . 25 November 2020 . 21 October 2021.
  38. Web site: Gallagher . Chris . Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they have recalled forward Aramide Oteh from his loan spell with Stevenage . Football League World . 11 January 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  39. Web site: Waldron . Jonathan . Colchester United have signed Aramide Oteh from QPR . . 19 January 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  40. Web site: Waldron . Jonathan . Colchester United new boy Aramide Oteh hopes to make mark . . 22 January 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  41. Web site: Waldron . Jonathan . Colchester United loanee Remi Oteh targets more goals . . 26 February 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  42. Web site: Waldron . Jonathan . Colchester United could face former striker Aramide Oteh . . 1 October 2021 . 21 October 2021.
  43. Web site: Hoden . Liam . Another new trialist joins up with Doncaster Rovers ahead of first friendly . . 9 July 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  44. Web site: Ally . Marcus . How is Aramide Oteh getting on ever since his QPR exit? . Football League World . 8 September 2021 . 18 October 2021.
  45. Web site: Aramide Oteh: Salford sign former QPR forward on short-term contract . BBC Sport . 25 September 2021 . 25 September 2021.
  46. Web site: Salford City 2-2 Northampton . BBC Sport . 25 September 2021 . 25 September 2021.
  47. Web site: Reaction: Salford City 5-3 Leeds United U21s . Salford City F.C. . 2 October 2021 . 2 October 2021.
  48. Web site: Aramide Oteh: Crawley Town sign ex-QPR striker following Salford City release . . 4 February 2022 . 4 February 2022.
  49. Web site: Dunford . Mark . Former Tottenham Hotspur youth player and QPR, Bradford City and Stevenage striker joins Crawley Town . Sussex Express . 3 February 2022 . 1 May 2022.
  50. Web site: Howell . Rhys . Harrogate Town 1, Crawley Town 3: Oteh, Tsaroulla and Nichols goals give Reds win in Yorkshire . Sussex Express . 8 February 2022 . 1 May 2022.
  51. Web site: Harrogate 1-3 Crawley: Aramide Oteh scores in comfortable Reds win . . 3 February 2022 . 1 May 2022.
  52. Web site: Aramide Oteh returns to Walsall!. Walsall FC. 24 July 2023. 1 November 2023.
  53. Web site: Atkinson . Nathan . Bradford City's on-loan QPR man stars as a number 10 . . 11 November 2019 . 19 October 2021.
  54. Web site: Nigeria-target Eze Nominated for three QPR End-of-Season Awards . 14 July 2020.