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Monday, January 17, 2022

Ismail's Career Blighted By Injuries

 

Zeli Ismail has left Hereford FC reportedly because he's been offered the 'opportunity of a trial with another club'.

Last Saturday Ismail was on the bench for the game against Gateshead. He came on late in the second half, too late to have much effect.

Ismail hasn't been fully fit recently. After the game at Brackley manager Josh Gowling was asked about Ismail.

"Zeli has had a little niggle and is not feeling great."

Last October BirminghamLive published an acticle about Ismail. It highlighted that his career had been blighted by injuries.

And last summer Ismail spoke to the BBC.

"The injuries have killed me throughout my career really, I've just not been able to get a season where I'm injury-free so hopefully this is the one.

"I'm grateful, they've (Hereford) brought me in and hopefully I can repay them back with my performances on the pitch."

Gowling was optimistic.

“I’d like to think we’re a football club that brings people back on to the right track. Another good thing is that he knows a few of the other boys. With my recruitment, I like to bring in players who are comfortable in this environment.

“He’s got an unbelievable pedigree so hopefully we will be able to keep hold of him and he makes us go from strength to strength.”

Ismail started at Wolves when aged 10. Six years later Wolves offered him a contract which he eventually agreed.

However according to his agent Lee Marsh he could have moved to Chelsea.

“I must have gone to Zeli’s house about seven times,” said Marsh.

“I know Zeli wanted to listen to me, he knew.

“I said to Zeli’s dad, ‘He will never play first team football under Mick McCarthy’. His parents listened to the club.

Ismail made six starts for Wolves from 2012 to 2016. During that time he went out on loan to five different clubs. After Wolves he moved to Bury, Walsall and Bradford City before joining Hereford.

But it was a succesion of injuries that hampered Ismail.