ORSI’S A STAR WITH STRIPES!
Magpies’ new boy learned his trade in the USA
DANILO Orsi-Dadomo has taken an unusual career path, but believes his move to Maidenhead United proves it was the right one.
Having just turned 19, the striker decided academy football in the USA was the way to go. He played U19 and U23 football and shone in the college ranks, breaking goalscoring records along the way.
Those exploits for Eastern Florida State saw him named in the All-America team.
After three-and-a-half years across the pond, he returned home. Trials with Oldham followed before he sought game time in National League South with East Thurrock, Hungerford and, latterly, Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Now he has stepped up a rung to join Alan Devonshire’s top-flight Magpies, who have also swooped for former Norwich winger Josh Coley, 21.
“I think it definitely helped me mature as a person,” Orsi-Dadomo said of his USA stint. “It was a great experience going out there at such a young age, travelling around America and seeing the difwhat ferent states. A lot of the boys at Hampton have got the opportunities to do scholarships out there. I told them they can go out there at 18, have a few years and come back and play. It will only stand them in good stead.
Selling point
“They do a lot of training out there and turn you into a real athlete. They have some of the best facilities, even at college level.
“I’m happy with the path I’ve taken, I’ve had great experiences. I’ve played in Miami, New York, Orlando, Tampa – and now I’m in the National League.
“It’s a journey and who knows where it will take me in the future.”
But right now his sole focus is proving that he can cut the mustard in Non-League’s top flight. Fifteen goals in 36 games for the Beavers last term suggests he knows where the goal is.
“I fully back myself in the new league,” said the 24-yearold. “It’s going to be tougher, pretty much everyone is training full-time, but that’s what I’m looking forward to – training in the daytime now.
“Training at Bisham Abbey is a big factor for me – it’s a good selling point for the club.
“I’m looking forward to working with Alan Devonshire and his team. He’s got a great reputation from his managerial career and playing days. I want to learn from him and take advice so I can progress.
“I want to show that I can replicate what I’ve done in
Conference South.”
In some ways, Maidenhead can count themselves fortunate to still be in the top-flight.
Direction
They were third bottom in the National League when the season came to a halt in March, but jumped one place on Points Per Game. While Maidenhead stayed up after finishing on 1.079, unlucky Ebbsfleet went down with 1.077.
It means the Magpies are likely to be one of the favourites to be relegated in the new campaign.
But Orsi-Dadomo said: “From a club point of view, the aim is to push on from last year and if we all pull in the right direction, who knows
can happen? “No-one expected Barrow to run away with it like they did this season or Leicester to win the Premier League.
“Personally, I want to prove I can score goals at that level, work hard again and hopefully reap the rewards.”
Orsi-Dadomo remains grateful for the role Hampton and, in particular, manager Gary McCann played in his development.
“When I first went there last summer, Gary said he would get the best out of me and help me climb the ladder,” added Orsi-Dadomo, who also thanked his agent Burt Laurent for his efforts on his behalf.
“It’s a great club and I can’t thank them enough.”