Jefferson Louis: Footballing journeyman retires from playing

Footballing journeyman Jefferson Louis has called time on his long career after 28 years and 51 transfers.

The 46-year-old debuted for Risborough Rangers in 1996 at the age of 17, marking the start of a long career in lower-league English football.

He has had three spells at Thame United, where he was most recently before retiring.

Throughout his career he also spent time at Oxford United, Mansfield Town, Wrexham, Crawley Town, Lincoln City and so many more.

“It was a dream for me to become a professional footballer,” Louis told BBC Radio Oxford.

“I played at some great grounds and with some great players, later on I met some lovely people on my travels and that motivated me later in my career.

“I have a good circle of friends that have really encouraged me to overcome the dark days and strive for more, I’ve played for a long time and I must be doing something right as I’ve still to this day had more managers ask me to come play for them.”

Louis scored 10 goals in 64 appearances for Oxford United and was well remembered for scoring a winning header against Swindon Town in the FA Cup second round in 2002.

That goal enabled the U’s to draw his boyhood club Arsenal at Highbury in round three, where they went on to lose 2-0.

“Before the game [against Swindon], I didn’t realise the level of hate between the two sides,” Louis said.

“I’ve never heard the Kassam so loud on that day, when I scored it was a great feeling and then after the game it hit me what I had done.

“And in the next round we got drawn against Arsenal it was a moment I will never forget and I will tell my little boy about. I can’t describe deep down how it felt.

“When we went to Highbury, that was so special. I went on to the pitch with both the Oxford and Arsenal fans shouting my name. I won’t forget it.”