ISAAC’S EXCITED TO STAY AT U’S
WITH his future secure for the rest of the season, Sutton’s Isaac Olaofe wants to focus on doing what he does best – scoring goals on the pitch and improving himself off it.
Last week it was confirmed that the 22-year-old would not be recalled by parent club Millwall after their recall option expired, keeping the talented forward at Gander Green Lane for the rest of the season.
Olaofe was part of the Sutton side that won promotion from the National League last year and is now holding his own in his first season in the EFL.
He had netted seven times heading into yesterday’s trip to Carlisle and believes he can fire Matt Gray’s promotion-chasers all the way up to League One.
Potential
“I am really excited to be staying here, particularly with how well we’re doing this season, having the real potential to gain back-to-back promotions,” he explained.
“For me, it’s all about getting as much game-time as possible as well. I need minutes on the pitch but at a good level - that’s what I’m getting here.
“I know everyone at the club and feel at home here, and really comfortable within the group.
“It’s over 60 games I’ve played here now so I know I’m part of this team. I think it is the right decision for everyone, so I’m thrilled.
“The exposure to men’s football here has really helped me.
“It isn’t just about being clever or using my strength and body, it’s about developing a poacher’s instinct.”
Despite other forwards, including Matt Smith, leaving The Den in January, manager Gary Rowett decided not to exercise the recall option on Olaofe, but publicly admitted it had been under consideration. The youngster acknowledged that it was nice to know his parent club do consider him a genuine option, on the back of signing a new contract last summer.
He added: “It’s always nice to know you’re still thought about and still on the manager’s radar.
“The contract definitely gave me a boost as well.
“I saw it as my reward for the success from last season and it made me think if I carry on improving that faith in me will hopefully be repaid.
“It was nice to have that recognition from them. They just want me to get as much game time as possible.
“But as I’m not going back there till the summer now, I’m just purely focused on Sutton and seeing what we can do this year.”
The young forward isn’t only looking to improve himself on the pitch either.
In his spare time, Olaofe is undertaking a part-time business management degree through the Open University, a decision that he says came about after some family guidance.
Develop
“It’s going really well,” he added. “I’m in my third year now and really enjoying it.
“Conversations with my mum, dad and brother got me thinking about doing it in the first place.
“They’d say ‘you never know what can happen with football’, and I get that it is always good to keep educating yourself anyway.
“I like doing it while I’m still young as well.
“I know other players who are 28, 29, and just doing them. I think it’s good to start at a young age.
“Hopefully I play football until I’m 40!
“But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to stop getting better, I just want to develop myself as a person as well.
“Once I get this degree I’ll have a look at what else I can do to better myself for life after football.”