Odane Barnes 'honoured and grateful' after 100th Knowle appearance
Odane Barnes recently made his 100th appearance in Robins colours
Odane Barnes says he feels ‘honoured and grateful’ to be a part of Knowle’s history after making his 100th appearance for the club.
Barnes became a Knowle centurion when he replaced Wayne Mubayi just after the hour mark in the Robins’ recent 5-0 victory over Eynesbury Town, and he was presented with a certificate of recognition after the game.
The striker scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser at title rivals Gornal Athletic back in April as part of a brace that completed a superb second-half turnaround to earn Knowle a point that moved them to within touching distance of the Midland Football League Division One title - which they ultimately won five days later - and Barnes remembers that night very fondly.
“I have great memories from that game,” he said. “It felt amazing to score that last minute goal and see the joy on everyone supporting us that night. I feel honoured and grateful to be part of the history of Knowle.”
On that equaliser, Barnes added: “I remember charging towards the back post and luckily it fell beautifully for me to hit into the roof of the net.”
Formerly of Cadbury Athletic and Bromsgrove Sporting, Birmingham-born Barnes is known across the West Midlands non-league scene as a physical, direct No.9 who excels at providing hold-up play and aerial power.
Joint-managers Matt and Clive Seeley brought him to B93 three years ago and Barnes, now 34, has been an invaluable addition to the squad and dressing room throughout their success-laden spell.
Speaking of Barnes, who has scored 36 goals during his time at The Robins’ Nest so far, Clive Seeley said: “He epitomises what Knowle FC is all about - team spirit and togetherness. Every time he puts on the Knowle shirt he leaves everything on the pitch.
“Odane is a fantastic lad and very humble too. One of the drivers behind our climb up the football pyramid. He’s a great servant to the club and a role model for younger and aspiring players.”
A hundred down - here’s to many more, Odane!
