Sunderland v Doncaster Rovers - Omar Bogle enjoying life in Yorkshire

The 28-year-old former Solihull Moors, Grimsby Town, Wigan Athletic, Cardiff City, Peterborough United, Birmingham City, Portsmouth, Den Haag and Charlton Athletic striker has not always got his career moves right, but is sure this one is different.

In the summer, Bogle’s enjoyment for the game “had completely gone” and he thought about walking away. Now he is preparing for this afternoon’s League One trip to Sunderland.

“I considered stopping,” admits Bogle, whose debut was delayed by 10 asymptomatic days in Covid-19 isolation. “It was only my dad, agent and missus who were really onto me that God had given me a talent so not to waste it.

“In football we’re taught to be regimented but I am who I am. I feel like that hasn’t been accepted so much. One of the first things the gaffer here told me is be myself, relax and enjoy my football.”

Moore first tried to sign Bogle in the summer of 2019, but finally got him last month.

“Quite a few clubs tried to sign me but as soon as I knew Doncaster were interested my agent said it could be a good move for me with the manager, how they play and the club and I thought the same,” he says.

“It wasn’t (that I’ve made) bad choices, just not the right ones. A few times I’ve been impulsive, saying I wasn’t playing so I needed to go. I’ve not always gone to places that suit my style of play, that’s a big thing.”

A reluctant elder statesman in a young squad, Bogle is trying to pass on his experience. One of the crucial lessons is when a promotion-hunting team loses, as Doncaster did on Tuesday, they must respond immediately.

“Sunderland are a good team, a massive club, but we just have to remember why we’re in this position,” he argues. “I’ve been promoted with Cardiff and from the Conference. Game management is a big thing, probably the biggest thing.”

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