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Godfrey Poku

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Godfrey Poku
Personal information
Full name Godfrey Akwasi Poku
Date of birth (1990-07-22) 22 July 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth Newham, London, England[1]
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Margate
Youth career
2009 St Albans City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2010 St Albans City 13 (1)
2010–2012 Luton Town 19 (0)
2010 → St Albans City (loan) 6 (0)
2011–2012 → Southport (loan) 22 (0)
2012–2014 Mansfield Town 4 (0)
2012–2013 → Southport (loan) 32 (0)
2014 → Alfreton Town (loan) 17 (0)
2014–2015 AFC Telford United 39 (0)
2015–2016 Woking 18 (0)
2015 → Havant & Waterloovile (loan) 5 (4)
2016–2018 Oxford City 79 (6)
2018–2019 Wealdstone 43 (0)
2019–2020 Woking 26 (0)
2020–2022 Havant & Waterloovile 8 (0)
2022–2023 Hemel Hempstead Town 25 (0)
2023 Enfield 2 (0)
2023– Margate 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:14, 21 September 2023 (UTC)

Godfrey Akwasi Poku (born 22 July 1990) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Isthmian League South East Division club Margate. He has also previously played for St Albans City, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, AFC Telford United, Woking, Oxford City, Wealdstone and Havant & Waterlooville.

Club career

[edit]

Born in the Newham, London, Poku was educated at nearby Redbridge College under the guidance of Andy Russell. In February 2009, he was offered a scholarship to Fort Lewis College in Colorado, United States, having impressed scouts at an invitational football tournament at Preston College in Phoenix, Arizona the previous year.[3] Poku chose to turn down the offer, instead preferring to pursue a full-time career in English football, and joined Conference South side St Albans City for the beginning of the 2009–10 season.[4] He made his St Albans debut on 19 September 2009 against Weymouth. He played in 14 further games for St Albans, scoring a 25-yard goal in the return fixture against Weymouth.[5][6] During his time at the club, Poku had trials with Football League clubs Reading, Leyton Orient and Southend United.[4]

On 5 January 2010 Poku was signed on a free transfer by Conference Premier club Luton Town, along with fellow St Albans player JJ O'Donnell.[7] Poku was highly rated by St Albans manager Steve Castle, who pleaded with him to stay at the club, and had been attracting interest from Championship side Swansea City.[8] On 30 January, Poku and O'Donnell were loaned back to St Albans for one month.[9] He made six further appearances for The Saints before returning to Kenilworth Road.

Poku made his Luton debut the next season on 2 October 2010 in a league match away at Barrow, coming on as a substitute, but only after making the bench because Adam Newton picked up an injury during the warm-up.[10] Mike Simmonds of Luton Today reported after the match that "Poku in particular was highly impressive during his brief spell on the pitch, breaking up Barrow attacks and as he grew into the game, showing an eye for a pass too."[11] Speaking after Poku's professional debut, Luton's then-manager Richard Money said, "he gave the team a lift in that crucial 15 to 20 minutes. I was really pleased with his debut."[12]

He made two further league substitute appearances in wins over Eastbourne Borough and Forest Green Rovers, before signing a two-year contract extension in November 2010.[13]

Poku started his first game for Luton in a 0–0 FA Trophy draw with Welling United on 12 December.[14]

...there's a very interesting player developing there. That's his debut at this level and...he can be really pleased with it.

Quote from then Luton Town manager Richard Money in the wake of Poku's first start for the club in a 5–0 win over York City on 18 January 2011[15]

Poku made his first league start in a 5–0 win over York City on 18 January 2011, and was praised by manager Richard Money, who called him "highly interesting" and that he could be "really pleased" with his performance.[15] Over the course of the 2010–11 season, he made a total of 19 appearances in Luton colours.

On 26 August 2011, Poku was loaned to Conference Premier side Southport for six months as part of the transfer that took Southport midfielder John Paul Kissock to Luton.[16] He made a strong impression in his first games for The Sandgrounders, with captain Alan Moogan saying, "[Poku is] a good player. He wants to get on the ball, puts a foot in and he's all over the pitch... it's really good playing with him."[17]

The 22 league games Poku played while at Southport coincided with a change in fortunes for the club – he joined them when they were 23rd in the Conference Premier and when his loan finished in early January, Southport were 6th.[18][19] Southport midfielder Karl Ledsham praised Poku's contribution when he told the Liverpool Echo "Godfrey is a great lad and has done an unbelievable job, considering he'd not had many games for Luton. But you look at him and wonder how he didn't get in their team because he has brought so much to us and our midfield. He has won games by himself and has picked the lads up when we've been down in games. He's carried a couple of lads as well and has been an unbelievable signing."[20]

Whilst Poku declared himself to be happy to return to Southport for the remainder of the season, Luton Town manager Gary Brabin remained undecided on whether to let him return to Southport.[21] Southport manager Liam Watson told BBC Radio Merseyside "I'm more than optimistic that loan deal will be extended, but not until after the Luton game. I'd say it's 90%. I've already spoken to Gary Brabin and he's not going to make a decision until after we play the Luton game"[22]

After returning to Luton, Poku's first eligible match for the Hatters was, coincidentally, against Southport. When asked whether Poku could give any tactical information about the Southport team, Gary Brabin said "Anyone who knows Godfrey knows that he's got no knowledge."[23][24]

Southport made a bid for Poku during the January 2012 transfer window which Luton turned down.[25][26] Luton Town boss Gary Brabin's reaction to the bid was to say "I'm certainly not going to be bullied into selling him or him going back on loan."[27]

On 19 June 2012, Poku joined Conference Premier side Mansfield Town on a two-year deal.[28]

On 31 August 2012, Poku was sent out on loan by Mansfield Town on the last day of the transfer window to Southport once again, lasting this time till the end of the season.[29] On 1 September 2012, Poku made his Southport comeback in a 3–0 defeat to AFC Telford United, in which he played the full 90 minutes.[30] Poku went on to appear 32 times for Southport before returning to Mansfield Town at the end of the season.

On 22 October 2013, Poku made his Mansfield Town debut in 0–0 draw with Bury, in which he replaced Martin Riley in the 74th minute.[31] On 26 November 2013, Poku was given his only start for Mansfield Town in a 1–0 defeat to Burton Albion, in which he played the full 90 minutes.[32]

On 3 January 2014, Poku joined Conference Premier side Alfreton Town on loan until the end of the season.[33] On 7 January 2014, Poku made his Alfreton Town debut in a 4–1 defeat to Lincoln City, in which he played the full 90 minutes.[34]

On 9 May 2014, it was announced that Poku would leave Mansfield Town along with nine other players at the end of their contracts on 30 June 2014.[35]

On 1 August 2014, Poku joined Conference Premier side AFC Telford United on a one-year deal.[36] Eight days later, Poku made his AFC Telford United debut in a 1–1 draw with Welling United, in which he played 48 minutes before being sent off for a second bookable offence.[37] Poku went on to make 36 starts and receiving two substitute appearances before leaving at the end of the campaign.

On 23 May 2015, Poku joined National League side Woking on a one-year deal.[38] On 11 August 2015, Poku made his Woking debut in a 2–0 victory over Bromley, in which he replaced Giuseppe Sole with eleven minutes remaining.[39] On 12 September 2015, Poku was given his first Woking start in a 4–4 draw with Guiseley, in which he played the full 90 minutes.[40] On 10 November 2015, after struggling to make an impression in the Woking side, Poku joined National League South side Havant & Waterlooville on a one-month loan.[41] On the same day, Poku made his Havant & Waterlooville debut in a 3–1 victory over Oxford City, in which he scored all three.[42] On 14 November 2015, Poku continued his good goalscoring form in a 3–1 victory against Maidenhead United, in which he netted the equalizer for Havant & Waterlooville after Jake Reid put the visitors ahead.[43] Poku returned to Woking at the end of the month after scoring four times in five games.

On 26 June 2016, Poku joined National League South side Oxford City on a one-year deal after leaving Woking.[44] On 6 August 2016, Poku made his Oxford City debut in a 2–1 victory over Welling United, playing the full 90 minutes.[45] On 19 November 2016, Poku scored his first goal for Oxford in their 5–0 away victory against Margate, netting the opener in the 40th minute.[46] After winning Oxford's player of the season award, Poku signed a new one-year deal on 30 May 2017.[47]

On Thursday 31 May 2017, Poku joined National League South side Wealdstone[48]

On the 23 May 2019 it was confirmed in an interview with club manager Alan Dowson that Poku would be re-joining National League side Woking .[49] After featuring twenty-seven times in all competitions during the 2019–20 campaign, it was announced that Poku would leave the club following the expiry of his contract.[50]

On 3 August 2020, Poku returned to National League South side, Havant & Waterloovile, on a two-year deal.[51] He was released at the end of the 2021–22 season.[52]

On 13 June 2022, Poku joined Hemel Hempstead Town, reuniting with former-Oxford City manager Mark Jones.[53]

In September 2023, he joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Margate following a short spell with Enfield.[54]

Personal life

[edit]

Born in England, Poku is of Ghanaian descent.[55] In 2021 he married the love of his life, Nafisah Boateng, daughter of Afrobeats DJ, DJ Abrantee (Abrantee Boateng).

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 2 January 2021.[5][2][56]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
St Albans City 2009–10 Conference South 13 1 1 0 — 1[a] 0 15 1
Luton Town 2009–10 Conference Premier 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
2010–11 Conference Premier 9 0 4 0 — 6[a] 0 19 0
2011–12 Conference Premier 10 0 0 0 — 0 0 10 0
Total 19 0 4 0 — 6 0 29 0
St Albans City (loan) 2009–10 Conference South 6 0 0 0 — 0 0 6 0
Southport (loan) 2011–12 Conference Premier 22 0 1 0 — 1[a] 0 24 0
Mansfield Town 2012–13 Conference Premier 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
2013–14 League Two 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Southport (loan) 2012–13 Conference Premier 32 0 1 0 — 3[a] 0 36 0
Alfreton Town (loan) 2013–14 Conference Premier 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 0
AFC Telford Utd 2014–15 Conference Premier 39 0 5 0 — 3[a] 0 47 0
Total 39 0 5 0 — 3 0 47 0
Woking 2015–16 National League 18 0 0 0 — 2[a] 0 20 0
Havant & Waterlooville (loan) 2015–16 National League South 5 4 0 0 — 0 0 5 4
Oxford City 2016–17 National League South 40 2 2 0 — 0 0 42 2
2017–18 National League South 39 4 5 0 — 1[a] 0 45 4
Total 79 6 7 0 — 1 0 87 6
Wealdstone 2018–19 National League South 43 0 3 0 — 3[b] 0 49 0
Woking 2019–20 National League 26 0 0 0 — 1[a] 0 27 0
Havant & Waterlooville 2020–21 National League South 6 0 1 0 — 2[a] 0 9 0
Career total 312 11 24 0 0 0 23 0 359 11
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  2. ^ Two appearances in FA Trophy, one in National League South play-offs

Footnotes

[edit]
A. ^ The "League" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Conference Premier and Conference South.
B. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the FA Trophy.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Football student nets contract with Luton Town". The Enquirer. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 2012-01-31.
  2. ^ a b "G. Poku". Soccerway. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Redbridge College footballer offered scholarship in America". Redbridge College. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 21 September 2011.[permanent dead link‍]
  4. ^ a b "Poku points towards first team spot". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 6 March 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Godfrey Poku". St Albans City F.C. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  6. ^ Tavener, David (31 October 2009). "City spirits raised as Terras are becalmed". St Albans & Harpenden Review. (Newsquest Media Group). Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Luton Town sign St Albans City's O'Donnell and Poku". BBC Sport. 6 January 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  8. ^ "St Albans City boss Steve Castle pleads with pair to reject Luton Town and stay with Saints". St Albans & Harpenden Review. Newsquest Media Group. 23 December 2009. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
  9. ^ "Duo loaned back to Saints". Luton Town F.C. 30 January 2010. Archived from the original on 3 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
  10. ^ "Barrow 0–1 Luton Town". BBC Sport. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
  11. ^ "Barnes-Homer strikes as Luton defeat Barrow". Luton Today. (Johnson Press Ltd). 4 October 2010. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  12. ^ "Poku pleases his boss on debut day". Bedfordshire on Sunday. (LSN Media Ltd). 2 October 2010. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  13. ^ "Dan Walker and Godfrey Poku sign new Luton Town deals". BBC Sport. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  14. ^ Ryan, Ian (12 December 2010). "Hatters fail to get off the ground against Wings". Bedfordshire on Sunday. Local Sunday Newspapers Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-21.
  15. ^ a b "Luton Town upbeat on Dan Gleeson condition". BBC Sport. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  16. ^ "Luton sign Kissock". Bedfordshire on Sunday. Bedford: Local Sunday Newspapers. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 28 August 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  17. ^ "Southport's Alan Moogan impressed with Godfrey Poku". BBC Sport. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  18. ^ "Blue Square BET Premier Table – Updated 23/08/2011". Luton Town F.C. 23 August 2011. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
  19. ^ "Blue Square BET Premier Table – Updated 07/01/2012". Luton Town F.C. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
  20. ^ "Karl Ledsham wants Godfrey Poku to extend loan deal at Southport FC". Liverpool Echo. Trinity Mirror. 17 December 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  21. ^ "Southport's Godfrey Poku uncertain over future". BBC Sport. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  22. ^ "Brabin Undecided On Poku". Blue Square Bet Premier. 9 January 2012. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  23. ^ "Poku in contention for place against Southport". Bedfordshire on Sunday. (LSN Media Ltd). 20 January 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  24. ^ "Brabin would be happy to throw Poku in against Southport". Luton Today. (Johnson Press Ltd). 20 January 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  25. ^ "Gateshead chairman insists Shaw was never going to Luton". Luton Today. (Johnson Press Ltd). 11 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  26. ^ "Luton Town would not have accepted a five figure offer for Godfrey Poku say Southport FC". Southport Visitor. (Trinity Mirror). 9 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  27. ^ "Brabin: I won't be bullied to sell Poku". Bedfordshire on Sunday. LSN Media Ltd. 12 February 2012. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
  28. ^ "Mansfield bring in George Pilkington and Godfrey Poku". BBC Sport. 19 June 2012.
  29. ^ "Poku signs on permanent 'Port loan". Southport F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016.
  30. ^ "Southport vs. AFC Telford United". Soccerway. 1 September 2012.
  31. ^ "Bury vs. Mansfield Town". Soccerway. 22 October 2013.
  32. ^ "Burton Albion vs. Mansfield Town". Soccerway. 26 November 2013.
  33. ^ "Poku joins Alfreton on loan". Mansfield Town F.C. 3 January 2014.
  34. ^ "Lincoln City vs. Alfreton Town". Soccerway. 7 January 2014.
  35. ^ "Mansfield Town release ten as retained list is revealed". Nottingham Post. 9 May 2014.
  36. ^ "Godfrey Poku: AFC Telford sign former Mansfield Town midfielder". BBC Sport. 1 August 2014.
  37. ^ "Welling United vs. AFC Telford United". Soccerway. 9 August 2014.
  38. ^ "Poku signs for Woking". Woking F.C. 23 May 2015.
  39. ^ "Woking vs. Bromley". Soccerway. 11 August 2015.
  40. ^ "Guiseley vs. Woking". Soccerway. 12 September 2015.
  41. ^ "Gez & Godfrey go out on loan". Woking F.C. 12 November 2015.
  42. ^ "Oxford City vs. Havant & Waterlooville". Soccerway. 10 November 2015.
  43. ^ "Havant & Waterlooville vs. Maidenhead United". Soccerway. 14 November 2015.
  44. ^ "City Add To Squad". Oxford City F.C. 26 June 2016.
  45. ^ "Oxford City vs. Welling United". Soccerway. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  46. ^ "Margate vs. Oxford City". Soccerway. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  47. ^ "Squad Update - 30/05". Oxford City Official Site. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  48. ^ @WealdstoneFC (31 May 2018). "We're happy to announce the signing of @godfreypoku25 from league rivals @OxCityFC. Playing in midfield, Godfrey ha…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  49. ^ "Poku re-signs for Woking". Woking F.C TV. 23 May 2019.
  50. ^ "Godfrey Poku on Twitter". Godfrey Poku Twitter. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  51. ^ "Hawks sign Godfrey Poku". Havant & Waterlooville F.C. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  52. ^ "Havant and Waterlooville Football Club confirm their official retained list". www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  53. ^ "JONAH REUNITED WITH HIS MIDFIELD GENERAL". www.hemelfc.com. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  54. ^ "PLAYER NEWS | Poku Picks The Gate". www.margate-fc.co.uk. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  55. ^ "Performance of Ghanaian Players Abroad: Yartey sparkles, Ache strikes as Antwi hits brace as 20 players score 23 goals abroad – Ghana Sports Online". 12 August 2019. Archived from the original on 16 October 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  56. ^ "Godfrey Poku". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
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