The match at Doncaster Rovers back in January saw 19-year-old Jamie O'Hara make an impressive debut in midfield for The Spireites having signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Everyone present no doubt echoed the words of the man who was his England boss at Under 17 level, John Peacock, who said when O'Hara made the switch from Arsenal to Spurs in the winter of the 2002-03 season, "Jamie is an excellent passer of the ball who keeps possession well and provides that important link between the defence and attack. He keeps things simple and, being a left-footer, has that bit of extra quality. He also has a good attitude and is a good character to have around the squad."
Indeed Jamie has made a total of 18 appearances for England at U16, U17 and U18 levels, his debut for his Country coming on 12th October 2001 as a half time sub in a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland, which featured a hat-trick from Luke Moore who was playing alongside Jonathan Forte and James Milner.
Further Under 16 appearances followed against the likes of Spain (4-3 win), Holland (2-1 win) and Germany (0-2 loss). For the U17's he featured in a tournament, playing against Italy (2-2), Czech Republic (2-0) and Brazil (1-1), indeed half of his England appearances came for that U17 age group, the season he made the switch across North London to Spurs. As a younger player, he'd also been on Chelsea's books, so plenty of competition for his signature already!
How does Jamie remember his time with England? "I played against the likes of Spain, Holland, Brazil and Germany, some great teams in my time with England, but I faded out of the picture a bit in the last year or so, you tend not to get a game for the older age groups if you're not playing regular football at this level, so hopefully now that I'm here at Chesterfield for at least three months, I may get the chance to get a game again for England." Indeed last season at U19 level, Jamie missed out as the likes of Blackstock (Southampton), Fryatt (Walsall), Holmes (Derby) and Hoskins (Rotherham) played for their Country, all regulars at league level.
So at last, Jamie has joined the ranks of a league player having been a regular for Spurs reserves and, of course, various age group teams, so what are his first impressions of the game at this level? "Quick! Lightening pace, it's taken a few games to get used to it but now I hope to be able to dominate a bit more."
Everyone in the press contingent during his debut spotted the youngsters potential, which has subsequently begun to blossom during his time at Saltergate. His winning goal at Bournemouth and the fourth at Rotherham, two great strikes, one from his left foot, the other from his right, shows he's got an eye for an opportunity, and he's taking his opportunity here at Chesterfield with relish.
One thing that always shows ability and a positive sort of arrogance in a youngster is the desire to take free kicks and corners and straight away, O'Hara was delivering such set plays, "The Gaffer said to me that he wanted me on corners and I put a few good ones in I put a few good crosses in from wide positions, hopefully in the next game, we may just be able to get a head on the end of them."
His adaptability has also been put to the test with a number of formations for him to contend with, 4-5-1, with Jamie central, he's been wider on the left in a 4-4-2, and he even had a brief spell at left back in the game at Hartlepool, so which does he prefer? "I don't mind, I'll do whatever I'm asked to do by the Gaffer, I'm just happy to be playing. At Tottenham we play 4-4-2 and I play in the middle but if the Gaffer wants me to play on the left and cut inside and get in that little pocket and try and create from there, then I'll happily do that. After reserves football, the big thing is that you get a lot less time on the ball and the ball tends to be quicker to the front man allowing you to play off the front man. In the reserves we tend to go round the back a bit more. There's no messing around in league games, get it to the wing or get it into the opponents half quickly."
And what about the crowd on his debut, a big, noisy local derby atmosphere was in evidence at Belle Vue, was that something he enjoyed? "It was brilliant, the fans were brilliant and I couldn't believe how many there were, it was a great atmosphere. My Dad was at the game, he never misses a game, he brought some of my family along as well."
After Millionaires row at the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, what are Jamie's first impressions of life at Chesterfield? "I've really made good friends with Alex Bailey, he's been very good for me. I knew him when I was at Arsenal and he's really helped me settle in. The lads are a really good bunch, they've made me feel very welcome, really at home. I'm staying at a lovely Hotel, they're friendly there, it's great. I've not been this far North too many times, a few games for England that's all, so Alex has helped me settle in, he's done loads for me, not bad for a man who likes such a bright boot!"
So what are the South London born playmaker's aspirations in the game? "In the short term, hopefully get as many games as I can under my belt at Chesterfield and get us into the promotion mix and gain some experience for myself then I'd like to be able to challenge for the Tottenham first team next season and take things from there."
With ex England stalwart Roy McFarland in charge at Chesterfield Jamie must find this new experience a good one, with plenty of new people to observe and learn from, "It's real football. I gave a sloppy pass in the last minute at Doncaster and got a bit of stick from the Gaffer, but that's all part of learning, next time I'll stick it in the corner!"
Without doubt, Jamie looks set to be yet another of Mac's long line of impressive young 'discoveries' following on from the likes of Clingan, Campbell-Ryce, Niven, Picken, the list just goes on, and after a few games of evidence now, he seems to possess all of the attributes to carve himself a long and successful career in the game.
PHIL TOOLEY
