Former Ipswich Town forward Carel Tiofack is hoping to reign in Spain after earning a professional deal with Cadiz B.
The Cameroon born player, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, originally moved to Spain in August as part of LFE’s Player Placement programme.
Released by the Tractor Boys last June, Tiofack initially joined lower league side CF Federico Mayo and just four months later Cadiz B, the reserve side of former La Liga outfit Cadiz, came calling with the offer of a deal until the end of the season.
While Tiofack has few regrets about his departure from Portman Road, he does feel that his progression this term has been helped by playing regular football in his favoured position, something he insists did not happen while in England.
“When I was released by Ipswich Sammy Morgan and Russell Osman told me it was because my performances on a Saturday had not been good enough. I agree they weren’t but equally I hardly ever played in my preferred position,” said Tiofack.
“I played out on the left one week, on the right the next and I found it tough to get any rhythm to my game. When I signed for Ipswich it was as a forward which is where I played for Ireland so I’m not sure why I didn’t get a run of games as a forward or playing just off a main striker.”
Discarded by Town, Tiofack admits he is feeling the benefits of the tlc given to him since he moved abroad.
“At Federico Mayo I was really made to feel welcome. I went over there with 3 other lads courtesy of LFE and we moved in to a beautiful apartment, the President of the club came and greeted us and everyone down to the laundry staff made us feel wanted.”
CF Federico Mayo
“I wasn’t in the team to start with but I worked hard and earned my place and before I knew it Cadiz were in for me. That’s where I’m at now and I just want to continue to develop and play as well as I can.”
A grounded individual, Tiofack believes that he can now make the most of his second chance, and that lessons learned in Suffolk could prove to be the difference between success and failure.
“I am grateful for everything that happened to me at Ipswich, both good and bad because I feel immensely grateful to be here and to be able to go out and play football every day.”
“It a dream job and I think I left Ipswich as a better player than when I arrived there but I now also feel more determined than ever to succeed.”
Watch a video of Carel in action for Ipswich Town…
