Former Gillingham striker Mikael Ndjoli has joined National League North, signing a short-term loan deal with promotion hopefuls Blyth Spartans.
Ndjoli previously played for AFC Bournemouth, but recently joined Hartlepool United. He was deemed surplus to requirements by manager John Askey, leading to a move to Croft Park.
A brief statement from Hartlepool confirmed the decision; “Hartlepool United can confirm that Mikael Ndjoli has joined Blyth Spartans on a short-term loan deal. We wish Mikael the best of luck with his loan move to Croft Park.
Ndjoli joins the team ninth in National League North, just three points off sixth place. Led by former Blackburn and Leicester striker Graham Fenton, they are pushing for a play-off spot despite finishing 19th last season.
The 26-year-old striker began his career on the south coast, signing a professional contract with the Cherries after spells with Watford, Brentford, Millwall and Spurs as a youth. He had a successful loan spell in Scotland with Kilmarnock before joining Gillingham in the canceled 2019/20 season.
He played 18 times for Steve Evans’ side, scoring three times, but his loan ended in January 2020, returning to Scotland with Motherwell. After two games, the season was abandoned, meaning Bournemouth would return and eventually be released.
Since then he has had a rather nomadic spell, playing in League Two with Barrow, in the National League with Aldershot and in the United States with Virginia Beach City FC. He appeared eight times for Hartlepool as they were relegated last season and is currently on his second loan from the club, after last playing for Radcliffe.
He was told in the summer that he was free to leave if he found a club, after being left out of the pre-season squad. He left Hartlepool during the rebuild under John Askey. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches, including a 2-1 loss to Halifax last night.
Writer’s view
Ndjoli was tipped to make waves in the EFL, thanks to his decent education at several strong academies and good stints north of the border with Kilmarnock.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work and the canceled COVID season may have been a factor. He was recalled by Bournemouth from his spell with the Gills as they sought minutes for him, but a move to Motherwell was cut short. He didn’t get another chance and was released that summer.
Short-term loans were fine, but he needed a big return on his short stay at Blyth if he wanted to attract the attention of potential suitors. There is no doubt about Ndjoli’s technique and talent, but it is his ability to demonstrate it on any stage, including the tough pitches of the National League North, that will determine the direction in his career when he left this place.
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