When it comes to the beautiful game, Jobi McAnuff has been there and got the t-shirt – Lionel Messi’s to be precise – when representing Jamaica at international level.
From the school playground to the Premier League, it’s the pipe line dream for many aspiring young footballers which McAnuff succeeded in making a reality.
Now, the 37-year-old is writing a new chapter as Orient’s captain in his second spell with the east-London club.
With the O’s top of the National League at the time of writing, and just 90 minutes away from an FA Trophy final at Wembley, there are plenty of reasons to be positive.
Squeezed tightly into the training ground boot room with cameras at the ready, McAnuff oozed class and charisma – the ultimate professional warmly welcomed us to the players’ home.
Honours List
After the formalities, a handshake and light-hearted ice breakers, the skipper fondly recalled his first encounter with a football:
“Literally from as young as I can remember, in school every day on the playground. I used to wear my astros to school, going in with holes in them until they were worn out, get a new pair, wear them out as well!”
Going through the academy at Wimbledon and breaking into the senior team was the first of many highlights on a list of glittering achievements:
“I suppose later on in my career it would be getting promoted with Reading, playing in the Premier League, captaining the team there against some fantastic players, and also for Jamaica.
“I was fortunate enough to play for Jamaica, playing against the likes of Messi and Cavani on some pretty big stages, so that would definitely be in there as well.”
Great Shape
At the age of 37, McAnuff’s fitness levels are exemplary. He attributes the longevity of his career to certain lifestyle factors:
“I think it’s a bit of a combination. I’m fairly fortunate genes wise, my dad is in great nick for his age. I think those genes, the Jamaican blood, all that good food. He makes a point of making sure he goes out and brings the food round.
“Your diet is a big part, I don’t drink much, only the odd occasion, especially since having the kids there’s no time for being hungover!”
A clean bill of health is something McAnuff is also extremely grateful for, knowing the impact that long-term lay-offs can have on players:
“Not having a big injury in terms of a cruciate or an ankle, where it can really affect the rhythm your body has because you’re out there training every day, and it can have a knock on effect elsewhere. I’d say they would be the three factors really.”
Positive Energy
Modern football places great demands on players, from hectic fixture schedules to gruelling away travel, yet McAnuff relishes this aspect of the game:
“That side of it to be honest has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I love being in and around the dressing room, travelling is always a good crack. You have some long journeys; we went to Barrow the other night and didn’t get back until half four.
“We’re fortunate that we get well looked after, lovely coach, great set of lads, it does certainly help.”
However, he acknowledged the psychological hurdles that present themselves and the need to remain optimistic:
“The mental side of it is probably the knock backs you have to come back from, whether it be injuries, loss of form, losing big games – they can really test people’s character so that self-belief plays a big part. It’s an important thing to carry on going.”
Second Chance
During our conversation, we can’t help but tune in to the raucous laughter from the communal lounge – but the O’s have every reason to be positive.
This is McAnuff’s second stint in E10 where he is leading Orient in their quest for a league and FA Trophy double; the skipper believes he has a point to prove after his first spell:
“It would me massive, that’s one of the main reasons I came back. From a personal point of view, I didn’t feel I did myself justice.
“There were a lot of circumstances behind that but ultimately, I’ve always looked at myself, and I didn’t perform as well as I could on a consistent enough basis.
“For me, it was a matter of coming back and showing the fans a bit more of what I was about. You feel responsible and that was the most disappointing thing of not being allowed to play for a lot of the second half of the second season I was here.”
Tides Turned
There was unfinished business from McAnuff’s first stint, something he is close to resolving in the safe hands of Orient’s passionate new ownership:
“We got relegated, I was a part of that. My instant reaction is I want to put it right the next year and I felt we could have done that if we’d kept the squad in place, but that got dismantled.
“I think it’s important to get the club back where it belongs, back in the Football League. With the owners we’ve got now, just such positive people that want to do well for the club, that filters right the way down.
“Everyone has picked up on that and it’s been such a positive place to be the last two years.”
Forward Planning
In an exclusive interview with Rising East, McAnuff speaks openly about how he is preparing for life away from football as he explores various routes, from coaching and punditry to something rather more unique…
