Ex-Prem player Carl Jenkinson speaks in his first sit down interview on his surprise decision to sign for League Two side Bromley.
The 32 year old, once a familiar name in the Premier League with the likes of Arsenal and West Ham, has returned to English football, after his exit from Australian outfit Newcastle Jets.
He’s now at a stage in his career where regular playing time might be more valuable than higher wages or prestige and League Two provides an environment where he can continue playing at a competitive level without the intense pressure or the reduced playing time he might face at higher leagues.
Bromley’s ambition, especially after their promotion to the EFL, might appeal to Jenkinson, looking to help their aim to establish themselves in the fourth tier or even push for promotion could offer a new challenge.
His experience and leadership could prove instrumental for a club looking to solidify its status or climb the league ladder steadily.
Jenkinson will also use this as an opportunity to become a role model or mentor for younger players, his vast experience in the Premier League, international football, and various loan spells provides him with unique insights that could benefit the Ravens’ squad.
We are delighted to announce the signing of former Premier League and England defender Carl Jenkinson ✍️
Welcome to Hayes Lane, Carl!#WeAreBromley
— Bromley FC (@bromleyfc) September 27, 2024
Bromley Football Club are delighted to announce the permanent signing of full-back and former England international Carl Jenkinson following his departure from Australian side Newcastle Jets.
The 32-year-old, who worked with Andy Woodman during their time at Charlton, made almost 100 Premier League appearances whilst also racking up a handful of appearances in the Champions League too.
Jenkinson began his career at Charlton Athletic in League One where he’d also spend time on loan at Welling United and Eastbourne Borough.
The full-back then caught the eye of Arsene Wenger, signing for Arsenal in June 2011 before making his Gunners debut in a Champions League qualifier against Udinese before making his top flight debut four days later against Liverpool. Jenkinson would go on to make eight more Premier League appearances that season.
Bromley’s newest signing started to make a name for himself during the 2012-13 season and played the full 90 at the Allianz Arena as Arsenal travelled to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
In May 2014, Jenkinson netted his first goal for the Gunners, scoring in the season curtain raiser away at Norwich as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners. During that season, he also helped Arsenal clinch their first trophy since 2005, winning the FA Cup after featuring three times during the road to Wembley.
In the summer, Jenkinson would head out on loan to fellow Premier League side West Ham United in one of two spells at Upton Park. During his time in East London, the full-back had to cover Adrian in goal after the Hammers goalkeeper was sent off against Leicester City.
Jenkinson bagged his first West Ham goal in October 2015 in a 2-2 away draw at Sunderland before suffering a lengthy spell on the side-lines which ultimately meant a return to Arsenal.
After tallying up some more appearances in a Gunners shirt, he joined Championship side Birmingham City on loan in August 2017 before making eight more appearances with the North London side under Unai Emery.
Jenkinson’s eight year stay at The Emirates came to an end in 2019 when he penned a permanent deal at then-Championship side Nottingham Forest before heading to Australia to sign a loan deal with Melbourne City where he’d help them clinch the title. He would make his time in the A-League permanent in 2022 when he penned a deal with Newcastle Jets.
Jenkinson began his international career with England at under-17 level before switching allegiances to Finland before returning to the Three Lions at the U21 stage.
The former Arsenal defender clinched his first and only England cap in November 2012, coming on for Glen Johnson in a friendly against Sweden.
Our newest recruit will wear the number six shirt and supporters can catch him in action tomorrow or Tuesday night as we enter back-to-back home games. Click here for tickets.
Want to sponsor Carl? Email partners@bromleyfc.co.uk and you could sponsor his home, away or third shirt for the 2024/25 season.
HIS CAREER:
Youth
–2010 – Charlton Athletic
Senior
2010–2011 – -Charlton Athletic – 9 games (0 goals)
2010 → Welling United (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2010 → Eastbourne Borough (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2011–2019 – Arsenal – 70 games (1 goal)
2014–2016 → West Ham United (loan) – 59 games (2 goals)
2017–2018 → Birmingham City (loan) – 9 games (0 goals)
2019–2022 – Nottingham Forest – 15 games (0 goals)
2022 → Melbourne City (loan) – 28 games (3 goals)
2022–2024 – Newcastle Jets – 34 games (0 goals)
2024- Bromley
International
2008 – England U17 – 1 game (0 goals)
2010 – Finland U19 – 3 games (1 goal)
2011 – Finland U21 – 1 game (0 goals)
2013–2015 – England U21 – 14 games (2 goals)
2012 – England – 1 game (0 goals)
Honours
Arsenal
FA Cup: 2013–14
UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2018–19
Melbourne City
A-League Men Premiership: 2021–22
Here’s how fans reacted as ex-Prem Carl Jenkinson speaks on his surprise decision to sign for League Two side Bromley…
@InnocentOnX: What the fuck 💀
@edward_w97: Gotta be honest, thought he’d retired.
@CymruOllie: Not sure what’s more mental: Carl Jenkinson now plays in League 2 or Carl Jenkinson has an England cap
@George_South: Good luck at the Ravens, Jenko 🐦⬛
@danielgregoryy: hahaha what a random fucking signing 😂😂😂 top drawer player
@nffc999: I’m not sure what’s worse, the fact he got an England cap or some of the Bromley supporters thinking it’s an excellent signing.
@leQPR23: Fuck me he still about
@BFCJoe04: What a signing 😍
@connor_ctfc: Amazing pick up for them
@pfcmichael: Crikey 😂
@whueamon: Carl!! 😍😍 Hope he does well at Bromley ⚒️😊
@AlexBromleyfc: Welcome to the club Carl. Superb interview and look forward to watching you 👍
@D1LGER: Love to see 💪🏻 😍
@james_cufc2000: What a signing 👏🏻 hats off to #bromley
@SteveR69420419: Wow. What a signing that is 👏👏
@Adamo_001: What the fuck
@luketodd14x: Holy shit I completely forget about him. 😭😭
@ako_essex: Go on Jenko 😍
@AJH85_: Mental how he ever got an England cap
@harrywfc2: Thats unreal
@maxpalace03: That’s insane 😂
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