Zema Abbey

Zema Abbey (born 17 April 1977) is a former English professional footballer, who played as a striker and is currently joint manager at Arlesey Town.

He has a degree in Sports Science and Leisure Management from the University of Bedfordshire. His younger brother, Nathan, was also a professional footballer. He also owns a Luton-based company that sell footwear.

Playing career

Born in Luton to parents from St. Vincent, Abbey began his career with Arlesey Town, before spending a season each at both Baldock Town and Hitchin Town, before joining Cambridge United in February 2000. He soon established himself in the Cambridge side, earning a £350,000 move to Norwich City in December 2000. However his time at Carrow Road was marred by two career threatening knee injuries, causing him to miss most of the 2003–04 promotion season, though he was given a championship medal at the end of the season. He was given a three-month contract to prove his fitness at the start of the following season. He spent September 2004 on loan at Boston United, playing alongside Paul Gascoigne and scoring once against Chester City. He then moved to Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer the following month. In November 2004 he moved to Bradford City on a short-term deal. He made his debut for Bradford on 20 November against Brentford when he scored after just two minutes but received the first red card of his career for violent conduct after a clash with Deon Burton. His second game did not come for nearly a month because of suspension and he played a total of only six games before he was released by manager Colin Todd. Abbey joined Stoke City on a month trial in January 2005 playing in the club's reserve side. Despite scoring against Sheffield United Reserves Abbey was not offered a contract. In March 2005 he moved to Torquay United, but was released at the end of the 2004–05 season after one goal against MK Dons.