Ahead of our league fixture with New Salamis, we caught up with Brentwood Town forward Daniel Ogunleye. The young attacker has put in some eye catching performances this season and contributed three goals in six league appearances so far. He found the net with a stunning goal from outside the area away to Bowers and Pitsea, as well as scoring a brace at Walthamstow, which saw him lob the Stow goalkeeper.
So where did it all start for Daniel?
‘I was with Brentwood Town aged 12, but left to join Southampton and then moved onto Forest Green Rovers. I returned to play for the senior team in the summer of 2021’.
In the 2021-22 season, Daniel hit the net eight times in forty seven appearances. He started following season at Coggeshall Town, before a brief period back at The Brentwood Arena in the middle of the season. He concluded the 2022-23 season with a stint at then Isthmian League side Herne Bay, where he contributed three goals in fifteen appearances for the Kent side. The striker rejoined Brentwood Town this summer.
In his own words, Daniel is a ‘tricky forward who enjoys scoring and creating goals for the team’.
Ogunleye is a boyhood Arsenal supporter, but who were his favourite players growing up?
‘My favourite players growing up were Neymar and Thierry Henry as they were both exciting players to watch and the goals they scored were unique’.
Daniel’s had some memorable moments in a Brentwood Town shirt, but which is his favourite?
‘My favourite memory was scoring my first senior goal in the FA Cup against Leighton Town’. Daniel’s goal was the difference that day, with Brentwood Town winning 1-0 in the FA Cup Preliminary Round fixture.
And what advice would he give to an aspiring young player?
‘My advice would be to give 100% in everything you do and to always enjoy the game of football’.
The twenty one year old certainly seems to take his own advice too. An infectious smile and incredible work rate have ensured he has established himself as a real fan’s favourite at The Brentwood Arena.
So here’s hoping Daniel adds to his goalscoring tally against New Salamis to help The Blues secure the three points!
