James Alabi


James Bamidele Oluwafemi Alabi is an English footballer who last played as a striker for Leyton Orient.
He has previously played for Stoke City, Scunthorpe United, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers, Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town, Grimsby Town, Chester and Tranmere Rovers.

Career

Stoke City

Alabi was born in London Borough of Southwark and began his career with Stoke City playing for the club's academy in 2010–11 before moving to Scottish club Celtic. After a season at Lennoxtown he moved back to Stoke City for the 2012–13 season. On 21 February 2013 he joined League One side Scunthorpe United on loan for a month. After seeing him in training Irons manager Brian Laws compared him as a 'technically better' version of John Gayle, who Laws believes was one of his best signings in his first spell at Scunthorpe. He made his professional debut on 23 February against Hartlepool United at Glanford Park, scoring 10 minutes after coming on as a 67th-minute substitute. On 26 March 2013 his loan spell at Scunthorpe was extended until the end of the 2012–13 season. He remained at Glanford Park for the remainder of the season, playing in nine matches as they failed to avoid relegation.
On 31 October 2013, Alabi joined Mansfield Town on a one-month loan. He made his debut for Mansfield the next day against Southend United but was sent-off after for a late tackle. Alabi then joined Forest Green Rovers on a one-month loan on 28 November 2013. He made his debut on 30 November 2013 in an FA Trophy first round tie against Dartford. He played in six games for Forest Green without scoring before returning to Stoke at the end of December 2013. On 11 March 2014, Alabi joined League Two side Scunthorpe United for a second loan spell with the Iron. He made one appearance for Scunthorpe before returning to Stoke.
On 9 August 2014, Alabi joined Accrington Stanley on a one-month loan. He played three times for Stanley before returning to Stoke. In January 2015 Alabi had a trial with Dutch side De Graafschap.

Ipswich Town

He was released by Stoke at the end of the 2014–15 season and joined Ipswich Town, after impressing Mick McCarthy by scoring 2 goals in 2 appearances for the under 21s side on trial, on a one-year deal on 24 August 2015. On 25 August 2015, Alabi made his Ipswich debut, scoring in a 4–1 win against Doncaster Rovers in a League Cup second round match. On 25 November 2015, Alabi joined National League side Grimsby Town, on loan until 3 January 2016.

Chester

Following his release by Ipswich, Alabi signed for National League side Chester, on a deal until the end of the 2015–16 season.

Tranmere Rovers

Alabi joined Tranmere Rovers from Chester on 10 July 2017.

Leyton Orient

He was placed on the transfer list in May 2019, but removed by the club in July 2019.

Eastleigh

On 16 January 2020, Alabi signed for Eastleigh, on loan from Leyton Orient until the end of the 2019/20 Season.

Personal life

Born in England, Alabi is of Ghanaian descent.

Career statistics

Honours

Leyton Orient