But Rocks supporters could never have imagined that the raw teenager would go on to not only play in the Premier League but to score goals against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City in his four-goal haul this term.
But that’s exactly what Adebayo, 25, has done and he is gearing up to try do again tomorrow when Rob Edwards’ side host Chelsea at Kenilworth Road tomorrow (Saturday).
Adebayo’s journey in the football world began at Fulham, where he joined the club’s ranks at the under-nine level in 2007 until he signed his first professional contract in 2016.
He went on several loan spells in the English lower leagues to build his character and toughness at Slough Town, then Bognor, Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town and Stevenage.
He left Fulham to join Walsall permanently and after impressing there, he was snapped up by the Hatters in 2021.
The 25-year-old striker, who is eligible to play for England by birth and for Nigeria through his parents, joined the Rocks on a month’s loan from Fulham on 9th January 2017. Almost Six years or so later, Rocks club statistician Andrew Relton has taken a look at the frontman’s spell at Nyewood Lane.
Andrew tells us Adebayo made his debut the following night, 10th January 2017, at Shoreham in a Sussex Senior Cup 4th Round tie, which Bognor won 3-1.
He added: “His league debut was on 14th January at home to Enfield, scoring a second half equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Adebayo scored a second-half hat-trick in a 5-0 win at Canvey Island.
“His final goal for the club came on his last appearance on 7th February at Hendon, the second goal in a 2-2 draw. In total he played seven games (six in the league, one cup) and scored five goals, in four wins, two draws and one defeat.
“This was all after he’d scored a hat-trick against us on his debut for Slough, when we lost 4-1 on 29th October 2016 in the FA Trophy 1st Qualifying round.”
As Rocks general manger Simon Cook says: “It’s always nice to play a part in the development of a player and see them flourish such as Elijah has, and we wish him continued success in his career.”
Pic: TOMMY McMILLAN
