Former Gillingham Striker Mikael Ndjoli has dropped into the National League North, penning a short-term loan deal with promotion hopefuls Blyth Spartans.
Ndjoli was once on the books of AFC Bournemouth but has most recently been with Hartlepool United. He’s been deemed surplus to requirements by manager John Askey, leading to a move to Croft Park.
A short statement by Hartlepool confirmed the move; “Hartlepool United can confirm Mikael Ndjoli has joined Blyth Spartans on a short-term loan deal. We wish Mikael well for his time on loan at Croft Park.”
Ndjoli joins a side ninth in the National League North, just three points off sixth place. Managed by former Blackburn and Leicester striker Graham Fenton, they’re pushing for a play-off place despite finishing 19th last season.
The 26-year-old forward began his career on the south coast, earning a professional deal with the Cherries after spells with Watford, Brentford, Millwall and Spurs as a youth. He had a successful spell on loan in Scotland with Kilmarnock before joining Gillingham in the aborted 2019/20 season.
He played 18 times for Steve Evans’ side, scoring three times, but had his loan terminated in January 2020, returning to Scotland with Motherwell. After two matches, the season was abandoned, meaning a return and eventual release by Bournemouth.
Since then, he’s had a rather nomadic period, featuring in League Two with Barrow, the National League with Aldershot, and over in the US with Virginia Beach City FC. He appeared eight times for Hartlepool as they were relegated last season and is now on his second loan spell away from the club, having played for Radcliffe last time out.
He was told in the summer he was free to leave if a club could be found, having been left out of their pre-season squads. He leaves a Hartlepool side undergoing a rebuild under John Askey. They’ve lost four of their last five fixtures, including a 2-1 reverse against Halifax last night.
Writer’s View
Ndjoli was once tipped to make waves in the EFL, having had a decent upbringing at numerous strong academies and a good spell north of the border with Kilmarnock.
Sadly, it didn’t work out, and the aborted COVID season could have been a factor. He was recalled by Bournemouth from his Gills spell as they hunted minutes for him, but the Motherwell stint was cut short. He didn’t get another chance, finding himself released that summer.
Short-term loans are all well and good, but he needs a big return from his short stay at Blyth if he’s to capture the attention of potential suitors. There’s no doubting Ndjoli’s technique and talent, but it’s his ability to showcase that on any stage, including the gruelling pitches of the National League North, which will define where his career goes from here.
