Zephaniah Thomas

Zephaniah Joseph Thomas (born 14 November 1989) is a footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ossett United where he holds the role of player-coach, and the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team.

Zephaniah Thomas
Personal information
Full name Zephaniah Joseph Thomas[1]
Date of birth (1989-11-14) 14 November 1989
Place of birth Bradford, England
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)}[2]
Position(s) Forward, Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Ossett United
Youth career
0000–2008 Rotherham United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008 Ilkeston Town
2009 Emley
2009–2010 Harrogate Town
2009 → Harrogate Railway Athletic (loan)
2010 Garden City Broncbusters
2010 Parkgate
2010–2011 Rossington Main 20 (10)
2011 Stocksbridge Park Steels
2011–2012 Rossington Main
2012 Montegnée 10 (1)
2012–2013 Cowdenbeath 5 (0)
2013 Thunder Bay Chill 12 (1)
2013–2014 Sheffield 24 (19)
2014 Mickleover Sports 7 (5)
2014 Scarborough Athletic 0 (0)
2014 Matlock Town
2014 Goole
2014–2015 Boston United
2014–2015 → Sheffield (dual registration) 12 (6)
2015 Frickley Athletic 16 (10)
2015–2016 Mickleover Sports 10 (5)
2016 Rossington Main 2 (1)
2016–2017 Mickleover Sports 7 (5)
2017 Shaw Lane
2017 Stafford Rangers
2017 Frickley Athletic
2017 Mickleover Sports 8 (1)
2017–2018 Glossop North End 15 (5)
2018 Campion 2 (0)
2018 Eccleshill United 7 (1)
2018 Leek Town 3 (1)
2018–2019 Brighouse Town 24 (5)
2019 Belper Town
2019–2020 Rossington Main 16 (3)
2020 Frickley Athletic
2020 Selby Town
2020–2023 Brighouse Town
2023– Ossett United 0
International career‡
2012–2017 Saint Kitts and Nevis 20 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:38, 25 March 2018 (UTC)[1][3]
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:39, 7 October 2016 (UTC)[4]

He is a former Rotherham United youth player who has also played non-league football with several clubs including Harrogate Town and Rossington Main, while also having an intermediate spell in the United States. Before he turned professional joining Belgian club Montegnée followed by a spell in Scottish First Division with Cowdenbeath. He then moved to North America for a second time playing for Canadian side Thunder Bay Chill before returning to English football.

Club career

Early career

Thomas who was born in Bradford started his career as a youth player at Rotherham United but left the club in 2008 having not appeared for the senior team.[5] Following his release he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston Town.[6] After spending a few months with them he moved on to Emley before joining Harrogate Town.[7] While at the Conference North side he was loaned out to local club Harrogate Railway Athletic.[8] He then moved to the United States with fellow Englishman Jason Stokes to study at Garden City Community College while playing for their soccer team.[9] However things didn't work out and he returned to England.[10] Thomas then played for Parkgate before leaving them to join Rossington Main in November 2010.[11] At the start 2011–12 season he joined Stocksbridge Park Steels for a short period before rejoining Rossington Main who he went on to make twenty appearances for, scoring ten goals.[10][12] In December 2012, he signed a full-time professional contract with Belgian side Montegnée having been spotted by scout Simon O'Neill.[5] He played his last game for Northern Counties East Football League side Rossington on 2 January 2012 against Appleby Frodingham before moving to Belgium.[13] After six months with the Belgian Promotion D team, Thomas returned to England and was again looking for a new club while playing Sunday league football with Swinton WMC.[14]

Cowdenbeath

On 22 August 2012, Thomas joined Scottish First Division side Cowdenbeath.[15] He signed a one-year contract with the recently promoted side following a trial.[15] He made his first appearance for the club just three days later at home to Hamilton Academical, coming off the bench as a substitute.[16] After just a month with the club having made just three substitute appearances, he was selected by the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team.[17] His only start came against league leaders Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium, with Cowdenbeath suffering a 2–1 defeat.[18] Cowdenbeath boss Colin Cameron placed Thomas on the transfer list in early January 2013 and only a matter of days later he was released by club.[19][20] After leaving Cowdenbeath, Thomas started working in a call centre.[21]

Thunder Bay Chill

In March 2013, it was announced Thomas had agreed to join Canadian side Thunder Bay Chill.[21] Thomas linked up with his new club in May 2013 but was ruled out of pre-season due to a groin injury.[22] He also missed the opening games of the season against WSA Winnipeg.[23] On 1 June, he made his début for Thunder Bay in 2–0 victory over Des Moines Menace at Fort William Stadium.[24] In the next match versus St. Louis Lions which Thunder Bay won 3–0, Thomas provided an assist for teammate Sunny Omoregie to score.[25] He set up a further two goals for his colleagues against Springfield Demize and Kansas City Brass.[26][27] Thomas got his only goal for Thunder Bay in the penultimate game of the regular season.[28]

Sheffield

Thomas returned to England following the expiration of his contract with Thunder Bay Chill and trained with Tranmere Rovers.[29] His international clearance was delayed and therefore missed out on the chance to play for their reserve side.[29] Ian Whitehorne, manager of Sheffield who play in the Northern Premier League Division One South, invited him for a trial.[29] Thomas scored in his trial match and ultimately signed for the club at the beginning of September 2013.[30]

Boston United

In October 2014, Thomas was offered a trial with Boston United having scored twice for his national side in September.[31] In the trial he played for the Pilgrims' under-21 side against Horncastle Town, scoring a hat-trick.[31][32] He joined the Conference North side on non-contract terms days later.[32]

2016 onwards

In October 2016 he re-signed for Rossington Main from Mickleover Sports,[33] having been with the latter since 2015.[34] He scored on his third debut, against Grimsby Borough in the Northern Counties East Football League on 15 October 2016, but the spell with The Colliery was short-lived as he returned to Mickleover Sports in time for the FA Trophy game at Leamington on 29 October 2016.[35] He transferred to Shaw Lane in February 2017,[36] Stafford Rangers in March 2017 and Frickley Athletic later that same month.[37] On 18 August 2017, he was brought back to Mickleover Sports once again. He made his debut for fellow Derbyshire club Glossop North End on 28 October 2017.[38] In February 2018 he signed for Campion of 10th tier Northern Counties East League Division One,[39][40] before relocating to Bradford neighbours and league rivals Eccleshill United shortly after.[41] He made his debut at home against AFC Emley on 21 March 2018.[42][43]

Prior to the 2018–19 Northern Premier League Division One West season, Leek Town announced his signature.[44] He come off the bench in the 71st minute as Leek Town won the season opener at Skelmersdale United on 18 August 2018.[45]

On 29 September 2018 he made another debut, for Brighouse Town of the Division One East, away at Glossop North End.[46] He spent the remainder of the season with Town, before moving south to Belper Town of the – after a division restructuring – neighbouring Division One South East in June 2019.[47] Later that year, he returned to Rossington Main. He joined Frickley Athletic for the third time in February 2020. Later on in the year he joined North Yorkshire side Selby Town.[48] In December 2020, he returned to former club Brighouse Town.[49]

In July 2023, Thomas signed for Ossett United who joined the club in the role of player-coach.[50]

International career

"I've gone from playing for Rossington Main to playing for Swinton WMC on Sundays then to Belgium then this pre-season struggling for a club but thankfully Cowdenbeath FC showed faith in me and now I am going on international duty respect everyone for the nice comments."

—Thomas speaking after receiving an international call-up.[17]

Thomas got in touch with the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association to make them aware of his eligibility through contact Des Hazel, a former St. Kitts international.[29] The FA reviewed some footage of Thomas and in September 2012, Thomas received an international call-up from Saint Kitts and Nevis to represent them in the Caribbean Cup.[29][51] Despite having been born in England, he was eligible for Saint Kitts and Nevis due to his grandfather.[15] He made his international début in a 2–0 victory over Anguilla.[52] He started again in the following match against group favourites Trinidad and Tobago with the match ending in a 1–0 defeat.[53]

Career statistics

International

Saint Kitts and Nevis goal tally first.[4]

References
  1. Zephaniah Thomas at Soccerway. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  2. "Zephaniah Thomas". scottishfootballleague.com. Scottish Football League. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  3. "2013 Statistics". United Soccer Leagues. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  4. "Zeph Thomas". CaribbeanFootballDatabase.com. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  5. "Main Duo Head for Belgium". albionsports.co.uk. Albion Sports A.F.C. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  6. "Howell's late show sees Ilkeston through". Ilkeston Advertiser. Ilkeston. 26 November 2008. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  7. "Weaver makes late signings". Non League Daily. 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  8. "Rail' eye upset against Aspin and the Shaymen". Harrogate Advertiser. Harrogate. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  9. Kessinger, Mike (6 May 2012). "GCCC men's soccer signs 12 players". The Garden City Telegram. Kansas. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  10. "Moving on from Main". ncefl.org.uk. Northern Counties East Football League. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  11. Murden, Pete (26 November 2010). "Saturday 20th November, 2010". Rossington Main F.C. Pitchero. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  12. "Marrow signs two". Non League Daily. 31 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  13. Lodge, Daniel (3 January 2012). "Away win against App Frodd". Rossington Main F.C. Pitchero. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  14. "Former Main Striker Gets International Call-Up". ncefl.org.uk. Northern Counties East Football League. 1 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  15. "Cowden Sign Striker". cowdenbeathfc.com. Cowdenbeath F.C. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  16. "Cowdenbeath FC 1 Hamilton Academical FC 0". cowdenbeathfc.com. Cowdenbeath F.C. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  17. Murden, Pete (21 September 2012). "Former Colliery Man in International Call-Up". Rossington Main F.C. Pitchero. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  18. "League leaders made to work for win". Central Fife Times. Fife. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  19. "Thomas to leave Central Park". ClubCall. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  20. "Ruben Departs". cowdenbeathfc.com. Cowdenbeath F.C. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  21. Crossman, Steve (23 March 2013). "Zeph Thomas: International football to call centre in five months". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  22. Villagracia, Reuben (18 May 2013). "Chill hoping for Silva lining". The Chronicle-Journal. Thunder Bay. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  23. "Chill on the Road to Start Season". Thunder Bay Chill. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  24. "Official Match Information : Des Moines Menace at Thunder Bay Chill 0:2". United Soccer Leagues. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  25. "Chill Push Past Lions". United Soccer Leagues. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  26. "Springfield Demize at Thunder Bay Chill 2:5". United Soccer Leagues. 22 June 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  27. "Thunder Bay Chill at Kansas City Brass 3:0". United Soccer Leagues. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  28. Vis, Matt (20 July 2013). "Chill hoping for Silva lining". The Chronicle-Journal. Thunder Bay. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  29. "Sugar Boy Zeph adds international flavour at club". sheffieldfc.com. Sheffield F.C. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  30. "Club's international signings". sheffieldfc.com. Sheffield F.C. 6 September 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  31. Singleton, Craig (31 October 2014). "Loan extensions supplemented by new signing". bostonunited.co.uk. Boston United F.C. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  32. "Boston United sign St Kitts and Nevis international striker". Boston Standard. Boston. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  33. Grayson, James (14 October 2016). "Rossington sign striker Thomas". Non League Yorkshire. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  34. "Thomas Commits to Mickleovers". Pitchero Non-League. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  35. "Sports Beat Leamington FC To Progress In The FA Trophy". Mickleover Sports FC. 31 October 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  36. "Transfer News: Draper In, Thomas Out". Mickleover Sports FC. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  37. "Thomas Is On The Move Again". Pitch Hero Non League. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  38. "Hillmen Bag New Strike Duo". Pitch Hero Non League. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  39. "Toolstation NCEL transfers and signings". Northern Counties East Football League. 17 February 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  40. "International striker returns home hoping to fire Campion to glory". Telegraph & Argus. 2 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  41. "Toolstation NCEL transfers and signings". Northern Counties East Football League. 11 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  42. "AFC Emley 2-2 Eccleshill United". Eccleshill United FC. 25 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  43. "AFC Emley 2-2 Eccleshill United". Eccleshill United Twitter. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  44. "Baker Adds Trio to His Squad". Leek Town FC. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  45. "Blues blast out of the blocks". Leek Town FC. 18 August 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  46. "Zeph Thomas - Player Profile". Brighouse Town AFC. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  47. "Belper squad all but complete after four more signings". Belper News. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  48. "Zeph Thomas - Player Profile". Frickley Athletic. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  49. Grayson, James (25 December 2020). "Thomas returns to Brighouse". Non League Yorkshire. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  50. "Zeph Thomas - New Player Coach". www.ossettutd.com. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  51. "Zeph Thomas – International Callup". cowdenbeathfc.com. Cowdenbeath F.C. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  52. "Saint Kitts and Nevis 2 – 0 Anguilla". CaribbeanFootballDatabase.com. 11 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  53. Fuentes, Shaun (13 October 2012). "Carter's winner pushes T&T through to Caribbean Cup semi-finals". Socawarriors.net. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
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