‘Hit me very deep’: 12-assist star admits he threw his boots in the bin after West Ham release

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Sorba Thomas was on the West Ham books – and now finds himself potentially 90 minutes away from the Premier League.

Huddersfield Town travel to Wembley this afternoon as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Championship playoff final.

Carlos Corberan has masterminded a superb Huddersfield campaign, defying the odds to reach the showpiece event at Wembley.

There are no ‘flashy’ names in the Huddersfield side – even by Championship standards – but they have built quite the team.

One of the key players for Huddersfield is wide man Thomas, who is on an inspiring journey towards the Premier League.

Sorba Thomas was on the West Ham books

Thomas, 23, started out in the West Ham United ranks before being released as a teenager.

Thomas had to drop all the way down to non-league football with Boreham Wood.

Having established himself as one of the top stars in non-league action, Huddersfield pounced to sign Thomas back in January 2021.

Huddersfield fans didn’t see all that much of Thomas last season but he has really excelled this term.

The winger has recorded three goals and 12 assists in 45 games this season, including the cross for Jordan Rhodes to score against Luton Town in the playoff semi-finals.

If Huddersfield are to beat Forest today, they will certainly need creativity from Thomas once again.

Thomas has now reflected on his exit from West Ham as he stands on the brink of a Premier League future.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Thomas has admitted that his West Ham release hit him ‘very deep’ – so much so that he threw his football boots away!

“That was the first time I’d been told I wasn’t good enough and it hit me very deep,” said Thomas. “I threw my boots in the bin. But a year later my friends and family got me back playing and I went straight to Sports Direct to get a new pair!” He added.

This is quite the rise for Thomas, somewhat similar to Jamie Vardy’s fairytale ascent with Halifax Town, Fleetwood Town and Leicester City.

Win today and Thomas will have the chance to play against West Ham next season, showing them what they’re missing.