Ex-Premier League player Jordon Ibe signs for Hungerford Town with the aim to get him smiling and enjoying football again.
The 29 year old, who was once transferred for a then club-record fee of £15 million from Liverpool to Bournemouth in 2016, expressing his intent to “buckle down and show the ability that I still have” and emphasising that “with hard work, it can take you anywhere”.
His career has seen challenges, including injuries and mental health issues, leading to his transition through various clubs in lower leagues before this latest move.
Hungerford Town are delighted to announce the signing of former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe.#HTFChttps://t.co/J1rCsLA1Yy
— Hungerford Town FC (@HungerfordTown) January 28, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Hungerford Town have completed the signing of former Liverpool and Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe.
Hungerford Town are delighted to announce the signing of former Premier League player Jordon Ibe.
Ibe, 29, joined Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers in 2011 and made 58 appearances for The Reds scoring four goals.
He joined Bournemouth for a then club record £15million in 2016 and has since had spells at Derby County, Adanaspor, Ebbsfleet United and most recently Hayes and Yeading.
Ibe, who has also represented England from under-18 to under-21 level, said on signing for the club: “It is an honour to Hungerford Town for taking me in and believing in my dream.
“It is time to buckle down and show the ability that I still have. With hard work, it can take you anywhere.”
Manager Danny Robinson was also delighted at securing the signing of Ibe.
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jordon to Bulpit Lane. Jordon comes to us with a massive pedigree and wealth of experience,” Robinson said.
“By his own admission he wants to get back going again and we will be doing everything we can to get him smiling and enjoy his football. A serious talent that we are all looking forward to seeing in a Hungerford shirt. Welcome Jordon!”
Ibe could make his debut for the club this Saturday, February 1st, at Bulpit Lane when we welcome Havant and Waterlooville to Bulpit Lane, 3PM kick-off.
Jordon Ibe himself when he joined Ebbsfleet: “I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football
“I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch.
“Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance.
“The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive.
“I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance.
“The gaffer and staff have built up my fitness to the point where I’m ready to go with a ball and I’m really pleased to be able to concentrate on my game while at the same time being really supported.”
Back in 2021, Ibe opened up on having depression. He told SPORTbible: “It was the darkest time of my life.
“It was a cry for help, to be honest. I felt like I needed to speak out because if not, I don’t know what else could have happened.
“It’s a good thing that I did.
“I’m not trying to make people feel sorry for me.
“I feel like it was very important that I spoke openly and to my family about it because you don’t know what can come from mental health. I’ve been going through depression for the last four years.”
Ibe was trolled online over a lack of game time since his return at Derby.
Abuse online led to him feeling more fragile at the time.
He added: “At the time, obviously with not having my mental health in the best space, it was making me think: ‘you know what, what if they are right about what they are saying?’
“I knew it wasn’t right in terms of the way I treat football and my attitude towards the game but it was still making me feel down.”
Ibe had signed a two-year deal with the Rams in September 2020, only for the club to cut it short.
After coming back from a leg break Ibe feeling physically and mentally.
“I’m at a good stage now. It’s time to knuckle down and get myself back on the pitch,” he said.
“I want a return sooner rather than later. I’ve been missing the game.
“I’m eager to get back in training, to play alongside some good players, to have that competitiveness back.
“I want to have that feeling of running at a player again.”
Twitter users reacted as the ex-Premier League player signs for Hungerford to get him smiling and enjoying football again…
@afcb_r0b: Go well Jordan!
@twominutesto: Best of luck Jordan!
@cheeseyp: Wow….. that is a great signing 👏
@_USACherries: Best of luck Jordon!! I hope he smashes it!
@Jamieloveday5: Hopefully he does well there. Good luck, Jordan Ibe!
@Rollerb0b: WHAT A SIGNING!!
@JellyPants07: All the best Jordon! 🍒
@AFCBSydney: Wishing you all the best at Hungerford Town Jordon!
@pww8afcb: Wowsers! Fair play @HungerfordTown 👏🏻
@guflfc82: Best of luck Jordon YNWA
@_LukeBlake: One of the best I’ve played against. I hope he can bounce back 🤞🏼
@LFChris96: Awesome!
@LFCTJG: All the best Jordan, YNWA 🔴
@WilliamsD247: All the best Jordan. YNWA
@kcb49: #afcb I wish Jordon well.
@bluewhitewall: Jordan Ibe at Hungerford!? That’s insane! Should be playing way higher. Great signing for Hungerford.
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