When Joshua Kayode stepped foot onto the hallowed turf in Baldonnel for the first time, those involved with the club knew they had unearthed a gem of a young player, who was hungry to improve and succeed both on and off the pitch. JJ’s first game in John Hyland Park was one to remember, as he quickly got to grips with his new teams’ style of play and he would go on to terrorise the opposition's backline throughout the match, which quickly earned him the respect of his new teammates and opposition spectators. In our latest website feature, we spoke with JJ, who tells us how he ended up joining the club and his hopes for the coming season with Rotherham United, who have just been promoted to the English championship. JJ has returned to his parent club after a spell out on loan where the step up from academy level to senior men’s football did not phase him. 

After making the step up to senior football, JJ has used the current circumstances to his advantage in preparing himself for preseason, trying to keep himself as fit as possible to ensure he is ready for action when called upon. “We had been given a running programme to do all through lockdown. It replicated what we would do on a normal training day. I stayed in the UK at my flat in Rotherham and used it as a chance to really get myself as fit as possible.” With preseason already begun, he has seen the benefits of the decision to remain in the U.K during those challenging months, when football was brought to a premature end. 

Reflecting on his time at St. Francis, the memories he has of the club are clearly positive. 

“I developed in every way possible while I was at Francis, but the 2 main things were the technical and tactical aspect of my game.” “I joined Francis as a raw player. All I knew was to get the ball and go for goal.” The coaches at the club worked with me about positioning and reading the game well along with what movements I needed to make. I remember my first couple of sessions, and they were quite technical based, I had a nightmare and thought that the step up wasn’t for me but I just kept working hard each session and I got better.”

“I’ve got a lot of great memories from playing for Francis. My best footballing year for me in Ireland, was the 2015-2016 u16 season- it was one that I really enjoyed.” After many seasons of constant success on the pitch, the team capped off a remarkable journey at the club, before many made the step up to league of Ireland structures or moving abroad to continue their development as footballers, with another cup win. “The league cup final against Belvedere will have to be the best memory for me, we were 2-0 down at half time if I’m correct, we then brought it back to 2-2 and went onto win the game.”.” I managed to get a goal and assist. I’m still claiming that I was man of the match to this day!”

So, what exactly was it that made the club stand out from the crowd ahead of the other top schoolboy clubs? 

“After leaving Mountview post u15 season I went on trial to St. Kevin’s, Belvedere and St. Francis. Francis caught my eye solely because of the manager at the time, Mark Connolly. What a bloke he was. He played a big part in me getting a move to England. He and the other coaches told me from the get-go that they could turn me into a good player and help me develop which is exactly what they did.” With the success of the team clear for all to see, his former manager has also since stepped up to the next level with St. Patrick's Athletic, and has continued to develop players and contend for national silverware.

Having hit the ground running with Rotherham within their youth structures or out on loan with the likes of Carlisle United, JJ has some advice for the club’s younger players who strive to follow in his footsteps.

“I would tell all players that they should make sure that they are fully 100% committed to moving away from home and into digs. That plays a big part in how far a young boy will go. It can be quite frustrating if you’ve had a bad day at training and you don’t have your family to go home to. You feel like you’re all alone. It’s the first thing I’d tell any of the young lads. Make sure you are mentally prepared for the challenge ahead. Once you’re mentally prepared everything else falls into place.”

Having impressed on loan at Gateshead and Carlisle United, JJ has a clear picture of what he wants to achieve this season.

“Right now I am into my 4th week of pre-season with Rotherham in preparation for the Championship. It’s going really well, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. My aim for the season is to either to break into the first team and get a handful of appearances in the championship. If that doesn’t go to plan my other aim is to go out on loan to League 2 or League 1 and get as many goals as possible. Either way I know that regardless of whatever happens this season, I’ll still enjoy my football and continue to develop as a player and a young man.”

All at the club wish Joshua the very best for the season ahead as he continues to do the club proud. Since this discussion, JJ has agreed a loan move back to Carlisle United for the coming season.