“If I didn’t get the money I thought I deserved, I’d be off,” says Zeph Thomas, as he attempts to explain a career path that has spanned an extraordinary 39 moves in 18 years.
The Bradford-born winger, 36, is one of football’s ultimate journeymen.
Rossington Main (five spells), Mickleover Sports (four spells), Frickley Athletic (three spells), Garden City Broncbusters (United States), Montegnee (Belgium), Thunder Bay Chill (Canada).
Thomas’ list of former clubs goes on and on.
Cowdenbeath, Boston United, Harrogate Town, Scarborough Athletic, Stafford Rangers, Leek Town.
There’s more. Lots more.
Ilkeston Town, Matlock Town, Goole, Glossop North End, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Brighouse Town (two spells), Emley, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Sheffield, Shaw Lane, Belper Town, Parkgate, Campion, Eccleshill United, Selby Town and Ossett United.
But could Thomas’ life on the move be over?
The former St Kitts & Nevis international has embraced his player-manager role at ninth-tier South Yorkshire club Dearne & District since being appointed in 2024.
After winning the Northern Counties East League First Division last season, the village club based in Goldthorpe, near Barnsley, play their first ever FA Cup match on Saturday when they visit Runcorn Town – one of 219 extra preliminary round ties scheduled to take place.
“We’ve gone from being in the Doncaster Saturday League in 2021 to playing in the FA Cup,” adds Thomas.
“It’s massive for the area because they have never seen this team play in the competition.”
