Millwall striker wants Wembley glory this weekend – and to secure new contract with the Lions
Isaac Olaofe is hoping he can help Sutton United lift the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley on Sunday and boost his prospects of a Millwall contract extension in the process.
The Lions have a 12-month option on the 22-year striker, who is due to be out of contract at the end of July.
Olaofe has scored eight goals in 26 matches for Sutton in a campaign disrupted by hamstring and quad injuries. But he has returned to fitness in time to be part of the League Two club’s squad for this weekend’s Wembley showdown with Rotherham United.
“What I’d like to happen is Sutton win at Wembley and also get promoted – then me extend my stay at Millwall,” said the Lewisham-born attacker.
“That is my ideal scenario.
“I’ve played 20 league games, started 13 and scored seven goals. At the start of the season my aim was between 15 to 20 goals. But with the games we’ve got left I’m still looking to make double digits.”
Olaofe struck 14 times in 37 National League appearances for the U’s when they won promotion last season. The last time Sutton reached Wembley was in 1981, losing 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford in the FA Trophy final. They have failed to win any of their three visits there.
“I’m counting the days down,” said Olaofe. “As a kid you always want to play at the biggest stadiums – Wembley is such an achievement.
“I’ve been as a fan before, but never as a player. The first one was Millwall, in the League One play-off final when we lost 3-1 to Barnsley. My second was Nigeria against England and then Liverpool-Man City in the Community Shield, I’m a Liverpool supporter.
“If I play there it is an honour to my family and friends, as well as to myself. It is my second full season in men’s football and to already be playing there would be an amazing achievement.
“I’m going to soak in all the moments and make sure I live the whole day to its potential.
“You have to make sure you make the most out of the highs and really embrace the moment, because those moments don’t last forever. Football is an up and down sport – one minute you are flying and the next minute you are down.
“I like us being seen as the underdogs [against Rotherham], it doesn’t put so much pressure on us. The remaining games of this campaign are all going to be cup finals. They will all be crucial.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
