Lamin's Good Form: Is he just Jammeh?

Whilst Manchester Central have had a difficult start to life in the 2023/24 Manchester Football League Division One season, sitting second-bottom after six games, a few positives have emerged from the first few weeks - of which Lamin Jammeh is one.

Whilst Manchester Central's early results don't paint the brightest of pictures, the numbers themselves don't tell the whole story. Winless after six games, all is not lost for a rejuvenated side whose performances have seen gradual improvement as the collective continue to find their feet.

One of the bright sparks standing out from the darkness of the depths of the table is Lamin Jammeh, an enigmatic talent who has impressed despite being deployed all over the pitch.

In the words of Micah Richards, Lamin 'burst onto the scene' at Central by scoring a late equaliser to help his new side steal their first point of the season, holding Tintwistle Athletic to a hard fought 3-3 draw. This is despite starting at full-back, similar to Micah Richards.

Chris Tomkinson was clearly impressed too as Lamin has been one of just a handful of players to play a role in every single one of Central's fixtures so far this season. That said, Lamin's role has varied wildly from week to week as Tomkinson attempts to unearth his best position.

Last weekend, however, Tomkinson may have found it.

Having spotted Lamin's eye for goal with his effort against Tintwistle, Tomkinson deployed his mercurial new prospect as a striker in a late switch aimed at salvaging something from an impending loss against Stockport Gregorians.

Despite the almost inevitable result, as Central had suffered three goals in quick succession whilst down to ten men due to a sin bin, Lamin spurred his side to continue their fight by netting another late goal.

In a familiar tale, Central would go on to lose despite a positive performance against one of the league's strongest sides. However, praise would be heaped onto Lamin by both chairman and manager post-match.

So, who is our new man? We caught up with him to find out...

Born and raised in Italy to parents of Gambian and Ghanaian descent, Lamin combines a continental style of football with the tactics devised by Tomkinson, creating an intoxicating mix of mazy dribbling and creative threat.

"In Italy, I played for three different teams [including Serie D side RG Ticino]. I would describe myself as a hardworking player, I always strive to do my best on the pitch for both myself and my teammates."

"I love to directly dribble at my opponents before looking to either score myself or to assist one of my teammates."

"It has been a tough start to the season, but our ambitions haven't changed. We don't give up easily. I think that we are improving week on week, building good relationships with one another and absorbing how Chris [Tomkinson] and Paul [McGuire] want us to play."

"If we can carry on down this trajectory of improvement in training then it should only be a matter of time until that translates into results on the pitch. From the hard work that I can see the team and our coaches putting in, I think that with time together we will begin to understand one another's playing styles.I hope that we can kick on and do well this season, I'd love to help the team to promotion - although that may be hard after the start we've had!"

"On a personal level, I am happy with how I have started the season. I have been in good form, and I hope that having scored two goals after a few games shows my ability. That said, I know that I can improve further, as do Chris and Paul who continue to push me to do better. I am also grateful for my family and girlfriend who have helped me to adapt the the new circumstances, and most importantly, God."