With the quality we have in this squad, I am confident we will turn things around and start winning games sooner rather than later. The target is simple – gain promotion. We can definitely achieve that I believe.

- Tunde Owolabi

Tunde Owolabi wants to shake off the super-sub tag by becoming more consistent in the starting XI
He could have joined Radcliffe last season, but instead impressed in trials at ex-Man City training base Platt Lane in the summer
Promotion is the target for the Boro this campaign, according to the striker
He wants to turn professional like his father Ganiyu Owolabi, who played for Royal Antwerp FC in Belgium’s First Division A

BY DANNY PRYER

Tunde Owolabi thinks that he is in trouble. “Have I done something wrong? You’ve got me all nervous now! *laughs*,” in response to this interview proposal.

This is just a small dose of the humility, shyness, and the down-to-earth person that he is. He is clearly not used to being interviewed – nor be in the limelight. What is clear, that his is mind is firmly on the straight and narrow – all the way to turning professional in the game.

His chances at that, could be improved at Radcliffe, which is a vibrant and positive environment in his eyes, and has aided him to stay humble. It’s something that helped settle him and other new signings into the club immediately, after signing the dotted line when he impressed in a trial back in the summer. However, he also explained how all of this could have happened last campaign.

“I think part of the reason why I was able to settle really well was pre-season, and the dressing room has been unbelievable as well,” the five-goal attacker said. “Being part of pre-season with the lads, running together and crying together, and working hard together just got us all to have a strong bond heading into the season.

“On a personal level, the lads have been really nice in welcoming us new lads to the club and creating a vibrant environment that we all want to be a part of. But I could have signed for Radcliffe during last season.

Radcliffe manager Jon Macken (right) and assistant Frank Sinclair (centre) both played in the Premier League with Manchester City and Chelsea

“For some reason the move did not happen. After finishing last season with Skelmersdale United, I felt I needed a new challenge. I eventually got a text from my ex-coach at Manchester Metropolitan University about a trail game that Radcliffe would be holding at Platt Lane and he felt it would be a great opportunity for me to show my abilities. So I went, scored in that game and eventually, impressed the gaffer – and the rest is history.

“First of all, knowing that the gaffer (Jon Macken) and the assistant (Frank Sinclair) were both ex-pro’s at the very top level was a major factor in me signing as well. I am still young and I want to improve and I felt that working with such individuals with such vast experience in the top level of the game would help me do just that.”

"There is more to come from me. I am definitely sure of that"

He isn’t used to the spotlight, Tunde. A family man who loves his Sky TV planner, and brands himself ‘just an ordinary guy’. His ultimate goal from now is to be like his father. Playing the game full-time for a living, but in his head, it isn’t forgone. He knows it will take militant hard-work to achieve his dream.

“I spend loads of time with family,” said the Boro striker. “My family means the world to me. The love and support I get from them in my football is incredible and that really helps me to push myself when the going gets tough. I don’t take them for granted at all.

“I love my TV shows, so I make sure to try and keep up to date with them. Apart from that, I am just an ordinary guy trying to live an ordinary life, but the dream is to hopefully one day go professional.

“My dad was an ex-pro himself and I want to continue in his footsteps. I know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and as long as I continue to believe and keep my dream alive, anything is possible.

WATCH: Ganiyu Owolabi highlight reel for Belgium club Royal Antwerp FC

Owolabi is the second top scorer for the Boro this season, behind 12-goal Ben Wharton, with five goals. Yet the majority of games have come from the bench. A super-sub he may be, but not for the foreseeable. He knows what he has to do for the team when called upon from the bench, but also – has it in his mind that consistency is the key. And Jon Macken agrees.

TUNDE-R AND LIGHTNING: Tunde Owolabi dribbles past the Colne defence as he probed for an equaliser

His skills are no doubt visible, but keeping continuity in every game has been something missing from his performances. Owolabi remains humble, when some would grant this situation with a chip on their shoulder. It’s all about the hunger, and he knows there is more in himself to prove to the Radcliffe faithful.
Owolabi said: “I have heard about the title of super sub. As a player, when you don’t play from the start, you have got to be ready when you come on whatever time remains of the game. I am glad that in most cases I am able to come on and change the game in Radcliffe’s favour.

“As a sub, that’s what you have to do. Of course I am pushing myself to be a regular starter for the team. I feel I need to be more consistent in my game. I spoke to the manager and he feels the same way. I need to run in behind constantly, hurt teams, create chances for myself and for my team mates and if the opportunity presents its self, put the ball in the back of the net.
“I need to show that in every game, week in week out and hopefully it will pay dividend. Well I think I have done well. Some matches I felt I could do more or have a greater impact but I go home and reflect and see what I could have done better.

“I always want to improve and do more and I am hungry to learn and improve. There is more to come from me, I am definitely sure of that.”

WATCH: Jon Macken on Owolabi’s consistency

Radcliffe won their opening seven fixtures on the spin, and since have played Seven, winning just the one in all competitions. The number 15 knows what’s expected of himself and team, and is convinced they have let the fans down. With a quick recalibration in defence and being more clinical in front of goal, Owolabi has a genuine belief in his teammates, and says the target is promotion. Simple as that.

“In all honesty, these past couple of weeks have not been good enough. We have let the management team down, and the fans,” he continued.

“We need to defend better as a team and when we have chances to score, we need to do our best to ensure we do. We need to start games better and kill teams off.

“We had such an amazing start to the season and now we have dipped in terms of performances. We are working hard in training to put things right. We are a team, we win together and lose together.

“With the quality we have in this squad, I am confident we will turn things around and start winning games sooner rather than later. The target is simple – gain promotion. We can definitely achieve that I believe.”