After making a strong start to the 2022-3 season, Boro’ were looking for new additions to keep it on track – such as David Amoo. If his name rings a bell, it’s with good reason. Up until the point he came to us on a free, the player had turned out for a good few Football League clubs. And that meant he showed up on the opposition’s teamsheet more than once over the years. Still, at 31-years-old when boss Steve Evans signed him, there was certainly plenty left for Amoo to give when he rocked up at the Lamex.
It would turn out to be a brief stay though. For one reason or another, first team game time for Amoo was restricted; either up top or on the wing. In January 2023, Boro’ allowed the player to move on to Crewe Alexandra. Not that we would forget him quickly. It was Amoo’s surge down the right flank at Villa Park that led to a corner from which Dean Campbell scored Boro’s memorable winner in our FA Cup Round Three tie. Perhaps it’s no surprise. After all, he was quite the sprinter in his youth. Alas, Amoo and us just weren’t meant to be.
David Amoo: Before Boro’
Amoo’s career started out on Merseyside with Liverpool. But, after making his debut for them, out went Roy Hodgson and in came Kenny Dalglish. Our old chum of bouncy ball fame decided Amoo wasn’t strong enough for the Reds’ first team. So, the best chance of action came out on loan. He struggled to make an impact at both MK Dons and Hull City during 2011. Thankfully, it was a case of third time lucky as a loan spell at Bury ended up being much more fruitful – in spite of the odd injury or two.
It wasn’t enough to convince the Liverpool hierarchy to keep him. In 2012 when his contract was up, therefore, a new home was needed. And that turned out to be Preston North End. Alas, it didn’t last long at Deepdale. His contract was ended in January 2013 by mutual consent. But not before gaffer Graham Westley (remember him?) rejected reported interest from Tranmere Rovers. Still, it would be Prenton Park where he went next. So, not sure why GW took that step.
He remained with Tranmere until the end of the 2012-3 campaign; released by Ronnie Moore upon its conclusion. The next step in Amoo’s career was Carlisle United. And it’s at this point his career arguably comes into its own. In a decent two years in Cumbria, featured regularly (and scored against us at one point). Moves to Partick Thistle and Cambridge United then followed after his time in the north west corner of England. Yet, it would be Port Vale where Amoo made a home for himself immediately before his move to the Lamex.
We say immediately. We mean that Vale let him go the end of the 2021-2 season. And we moved in a couple of months later.
