Experienced forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined Jamshedpur FC ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League, the club announced on Friday.

Emmanuel-Thomas will bring a lot of experience to the Jamshedpur squad as he has played for clubs like Arsenal, Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Milton Keynes Dons, Gillingham, PTT Rayong, Livingston and Aberdeen in the past.

The English footballer is delighted to join hands with Jamshedpur FC and he is looking forward to giving his best.

Jay said after putting pen to paper, “The growth of Indian Football has been fascinating to follow and it’s a great feeling to be part of the ISL League Shield winners. It’s now time to rest the accolades from last season and work hard towards the next. Each game is going to be tough and my goal is to contribute to winning as a team while playing exciting football and thrill the incredible fans of Jamshedpur each time we take the field.”

Jay has the skills to play as a playmaker, striker, and winger and thus he will add value to the team. Furthermore, he was also part of England’s Under-17 and Under-21 levels. The forward had scored 13 goals in as many matches while playing for Arsenal Under-23 and had impressed one and all with his pace.

Jamshedpur FC Head coach Aidy Boothroyd said, “JET is a top player with outstanding experience and has played extensively in England as well as Asia. He brings a lot of attacking flexibility and can play in numerous positions which adds firepower to our squad. Creating and finishing chances are the strengths JET adds to the team along with a winning mentality. He has a great eye for a good pass and skill full feet to dominate play while taking on opponents. A great individual off the field as well, I had a lot of conversations with him and he exhibited solid intent to come in and represent  Jamshedpur.”

Jay will join the squad in the pre-season in mid-August and he will be seen playing by donning jersey number 10.