Morgaro Gomis
Encyclopedia
Morgaro Gomis is a Senegal international
footballer who plays for English Football League Championship
club Birmingham City.
Starting his career in France, Gomis spent most of his early career in the English
lower leagues before moving to Scottish Football League
side Cowdenbeath
. His performances earned him a move to Dundee United
in January 2007, where he exceeded expectations and was young player of the year for 2007–08.
Although born in Paris and self-identifying as French, Gomis represents Senegal
at international level, for whom he qualifies through his Senegalese parents.
He was part of the Dundee United side that won the Scottish Cup in 2010 and was the first African to have played 100 times for the club. He left the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2010–11 season.
in his youth and had unsuccessful trials with Chelsea
, Freiburg
and Lausanne-Sport.
. In 2004, he signed for Windsor & Eton
and featured in 18 league matches, scoring once. In January 2005, Gomis moved to Dagenham & Redbridge
but the move quickly became controversial after an agent became involved in a contract row with the club. Gomis left in March 2005 without making an appearance and rejoined Windsor, playing in five matches before the end of the season. Gomis had a short stay with Barnet
at the start of the 2005–06 season
– where he featured in a matchday squad once as an unused substitute – but moved to Lewes
after his month-to-month contract wasn't renewed. Gomis played in fourteen league matches and scored once during his stay with "the Rooks".
and joined Cowdenbeath
who at the time were managed by Mixu Paatelainen. While at the Central Park club, Gomis scored 2 goals including a 25-yarder versus Peterhead
and a last minute diving header to secure a 3–2 win at home to Forfar Athletic
.
side Dundee United and joined in January 2007, signing until the end of the following season. Such was Gomis's earlier-than-expected impact – Manager Craig Levein
had said upon signing him that he would "not go straight into the first team" – that he was given a two-year extension to his contract in September 2007. Gomis said he was "very happy" and "delighted", In January 2009, Gomis received a further extension to his contract. Gomis received the first winners medal of his senior career as part of the Dundee United squad that won the Scottish Cup
against Ross County F.C.
in May 2010. In April 2011, Dundee United manager Peter Houston indicated that he expected Gomis to leave the club at the end of the season due to the Terrors being unable to match the player's demands.
side Birmingham City
completed the signing of free agent Gomis on a two-year deal. He made his debut in the Football League
on the opening day of the 2011–12 season, playing the whole of a 2–1 defeat at Derby County
.
He made a defence-splitting pass that led to the opening goal in the home game against Milwall; playing the ball between the static right-back and centre-back onto the on-rushing winger Beasejour, who then slid the ball across goal for Chris Wood to put away.
's squad for the matches against Oman
and Iran
. Having been born in France of Senegalese parents, Gomis has always considered himself to be French, but was reportedly "flattered and surprised" by the call-up. Having initially said he would consider carefully whether to accept, he later announced his decision to play for Senegal, making his debut that week.
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
footballer who plays for English Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
club Birmingham City.
Starting his career in France, Gomis spent most of his early career in the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
lower leagues before moving to Scottish Football League
Scottish Football League
The Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division. From the league's foundation in 1890 until the breakaway Scottish Premier League was formed in 1998, the Scottish Football League...
side Cowdenbeath
Cowdenbeath F.C.
Cowdenbeath Football Club are a professional Scottish football team based in the town of Cowdenbeath, Fife. They currently play in the Second Division of the Scottish Football League. The club plays its home games at Central Park in the centre of the town which has the unusual feature of a motor...
. His performances earned him a move to Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
in January 2007, where he exceeded expectations and was young player of the year for 2007–08.
Although born in Paris and self-identifying as French, Gomis represents Senegal
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
at international level, for whom he qualifies through his Senegalese parents.
He was part of the Dundee United side that won the Scottish Cup in 2010 and was the first African to have played 100 times for the club. He left the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2010–11 season.
Early career
Gomis was at MontpellierMontpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
in his youth and had unsuccessful trials with Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, Freiburg
SC Freiburg
Sport-Club Freiburg, commonly known as SC Freiburg, is a German association football club, based in the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg. SC Freiburg has played in the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football, since their promotion in 2009...
and Lausanne-Sport.
England
Gomis spent several years playing in English non-League footballNon-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
. In 2004, he signed for Windsor & Eton
Windsor & Eton F.C.
Windsor & Eton F.C. was an English association football club based in Windsor, Berkshire, last playing in the Southern League Premier Division in 2010–11, until it was wound up on 2 February 2011 due to large debts. A new club, Windsor F.C., has been formed to compete in the 2011–12...
and featured in 18 league matches, scoring once. In January 2005, Gomis moved to Dagenham & Redbridge
Dagenham & Redbridge F.C.
Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club , informally known as Daggers, is an English association football club based in Dagenham, in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, East London. It was formed in 1992 after a merger between Redbridge Forest and Dagenham...
but the move quickly became controversial after an agent became involved in a contract row with the club. Gomis left in March 2005 without making an appearance and rejoined Windsor, playing in five matches before the end of the season. Gomis had a short stay with Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
at the start of the 2005–06 season
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
– where he featured in a matchday squad once as an unused substitute – but moved to Lewes
Lewes F.C.
Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:...
after his month-to-month contract wasn't renewed. Gomis played in fourteen league matches and scored once during his stay with "the Rooks".
Cowdenbeath
In July 2006, Gomis moved to ScotlandScotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and joined Cowdenbeath
Cowdenbeath F.C.
Cowdenbeath Football Club are a professional Scottish football team based in the town of Cowdenbeath, Fife. They currently play in the Second Division of the Scottish Football League. The club plays its home games at Central Park in the centre of the town which has the unusual feature of a motor...
who at the time were managed by Mixu Paatelainen. While at the Central Park club, Gomis scored 2 goals including a 25-yarder versus Peterhead
Peterhead F.C.
Peterhead F.C. are a football club based in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They currently play in the Scottish Football League Third Division, following promotion in the 2004–05 season.Their home ground is Balmoor in Peterhead, with a capacity of 4,000...
and a last minute diving header to secure a 3–2 win at home to Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic F.C.
Forfar Athletic Football Club are a Scottish semi-professional football club from the town of Forfar, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Second Division...
.
Dundee United
On 8 December, just four months after his Cowdenbeath debut, Gomis agreed a move to Premier LeagueScottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side Dundee United and joined in January 2007, signing until the end of the following season. Such was Gomis's earlier-than-expected impact – Manager Craig Levein
Craig Levein
Craig William Levein is a Scottish former professional footballer and manager of the Scotland national team. During his playing career he played for Cowdenbeath and Heart of Midlothian...
had said upon signing him that he would "not go straight into the first team" – that he was given a two-year extension to his contract in September 2007. Gomis said he was "very happy" and "delighted", In January 2009, Gomis received a further extension to his contract. Gomis received the first winners medal of his senior career as part of the Dundee United squad that won the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
against Ross County F.C.
Ross County F.C.
Ross County Football Club are a Scottish professional football team from the town of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty. Founded in 1929 they currently compete in the Scottish Football League First Division and play their home matches at Victoria Park. Prior to the 1994–95 season they played in the...
in May 2010. In April 2011, Dundee United manager Peter Houston indicated that he expected Gomis to leave the club at the end of the season due to the Terrors being unable to match the player's demands.
Birmingham City
On 16 June 2011, ChampionshipFootball League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
completed the signing of free agent Gomis on a two-year deal. He made his debut in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
on the opening day of the 2011–12 season, playing the whole of a 2–1 defeat at Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
.
He made a defence-splitting pass that led to the opening goal in the home game against Milwall; playing the ball between the static right-back and centre-back onto the on-rushing winger Beasejour, who then slid the ball across goal for Chris Wood to put away.
International career
In March 2009, Gomis received his first international call-up, being named in SenegalSenegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
's squad for the matches against Oman
Oman national football team
The Oman national football team is the national team of Oman. Although the team was officially founded in 1978, the squad was formed long before, and has established a proper football association in only December, 2005...
and Iran
Iran national football team
The national football team of Iran represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran...
. Having been born in France of Senegalese parents, Gomis has always considered himself to be French, but was reportedly "flattered and surprised" by the call-up. Having initially said he would consider carefully whether to accept, he later announced his decision to play for Senegal, making his debut that week.
Career statistics
| Club | |League | |League Cup | |Total | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Windsor and Eton | 2004–05 2004-05 in English football The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League... |
Isthmian League Isthmian League The Isthmian League is a regional football league covering London and South East England featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. It is sponsored by Ryman, and therefore officially known as the Ryman League. It was founded in 1905 by amateur clubs in the London area... Premier Div. |
23 | 1 | n/k | — | n/k | 23 | 1 | |||
| Lewes Lewes F.C. Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:... |
2005–06 2005-06 in English football The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether... |
Conference South Conference South Conference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National... |
14 | 1 | n/k | — | n/k | 14 | 1 | |||
| Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath F.C. Cowdenbeath Football Club are a professional Scottish football team based in the town of Cowdenbeath, Fife. They currently play in the Second Division of the Scottish Football League. The club plays its home games at Central Park in the centre of the town which has the unusual feature of a motor... |
2006–07 2006-07 in Scottish football The 2006–07 season was the 110th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2006:*9 July: Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen is banned for the club's pre-season trip to South Africa, following an incident on the outbound flight. Manager Paul Le Guen cited "wholly inappropriate and... |
Scottish League Second Div. Scottish Football League Second Division The Scottish Football League Second Division is the second highest division of the Scottish Football League and the third highest overall in the Scottish football league system.... |
15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 2 |
| Dundee United Dundee United F.C. Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923... |
2006–07 | Scottish Premier League Scottish Premier League The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland... |
12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2007–08 2007-08 in Scottish football The 2007-08 season was the 111th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Overview:* Gretna were competing in the Scottish Premier League for the first time, their first ever season in the top-flight, after being promoted as First Division champions the previous season.* Dunfermline Athletic... |
Scottish Premier League | 36 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 2 | |
| 2008–09 2008-09 in Scottish football The 2008–09 season was the 112th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Overview:* Hamilton Academical competed in the Scottish Premier League for the first time, their first season in the top-flight since the 1988–89 season, after being promoted as First Division champions the... |
Scottish Premier League | 37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 | |
| 2009–10 | Scottish Premier League | 31 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 4 | |
| 2010–11 | Scottish Premier League | 34 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 1 | |
| Total | 150 | 6 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 178 | 7 | ||
| Birmingham City Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
2011–12 | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Career total | 209 | 10 | 13 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 243 | 11 | ||