Congratulations on the trial! How did it come about?

Well he was scouted from the UK Football Trials event in West London in August and had two or three clubs interested. Fulham invited him in for a trial but he was ill on the day and couldn’t make it. Then Colchester contacted us and we went in for a couple of training sessions at the end of August and they said they’d like him to train with the academy, and now here we are. West Ham did make contact as well but we were already at Colchester at that stage.

And how’s it going with Colchester?

It’s been going well, he’s enjoying it, training three times a week and has played in a few games against teams like Charlton and West Ham, which has been great for him. They’re giving Abdusammee some really constructive feedback and improving his game.

How has he improved since he’s been there?

When we came to UK Football Trials he was a full-back, but after a couple of weeks at Colchester they pushed him forward and changed him into a winger. They told us that he was very, very quick and good on the ball and saw him playing further forward.

What has he had to change in his game to change position?

He definitely needs to work on his fitness, obviously as a winger you’re getting up and down a lot and need to be fit – he’s not really had that before playing as a defender. Also game intelligence, he’s learning a whole new position, when to push, when to hold, positioning, so there’s a lot to learn there.

Has Abdussamee had any previous experiences at academies?

He spent five months at Fulham on trial actual earlier this year, which was funny because they then invited him back after seeing him at UK Football Trials! But that experience led him to where he is now so we’re grateful for every opportunity. We came to UK Football Trials in July as well as August and was scouted on both occasions, so it’s good to know there’s interest in him.

Hopefully this can be Abdusammee’s big break, but why do you think it’s not come yet?

To be honest, I’d blame grassroots football. You know, it’s great and of course there’s lots of positives to it, but there’s lots of problems. A lot of managers micro-manage and only care about their own clubs - they don’t want their best players to leave. For example the club he has been at, the manager said there was only one club he could leave for, anyone else he had to stay. But you have to get yourself out there and UK Football Trials gave Abussame that opportunity, it matched his ambition.

And why do you think he was scouted at our trials?

He’s got a brilliant attitude, he’s humble, works hard and I think the scouts could see he wants to learn and improve. The platform was great as well.

Does he do much training alone?

I help him train, working on bits in the gym, attacking play and his fitness. He does it around his homework because he needs to really take it up a level now.

What would your advice be for other players hoping to be scouted?

Know yourself, play to the best of your ability and work on your weaknesses before you come to UK Football Trials. But remember you don’t have to be the perfect player before you come, they just have to see something in you. The clubs can help make you a better player.

Finally, what’s the next step form here?

Hopefully he gets signed and if he does then we’ll just encourage him and help him all the way!