"Pivotal" - Walsall favourite Albert Adomah reflects on his EFL breakthrough at Barnet

Adomah was presented with a warm reception in the reverse fixture at The Hive and has not forgotten the pivotal role that the London club played in his journey. 

"It was amazing to receive that reception because that was the first club to give me my opportunity in the Football League," Adomah reflected. 

"I'm sure most of them thought I'd probably retired (he laughs) but I am forever grateful to them. 

"Even now, Barnet is one of the highlights of my career. It was a crucial moment for me." 

Remembering his roots

Adomah joined the Bees after making a name for himself in non-league at Harrow Borough and has never looked back since. 

After arriving in January 2008, Adomah scored on his debut in a 2-1 win at Hereford United and that created the platform to establish himself in the team. 

"Scoring on my debut was amazing, especially in the Football League," he remembered with a wide smile. 

"I had been playing semi-professional for years. So to turn professional, score and win the game, felt like I had made a great impression. 

"It was halfway through the season when I joined which can make it hard to adapt. Everyone knows each other, whereas I'm just a stranger because I am new. 

"But scoring that first goal helped me and I pretty much started every game for the next two-and-a-half seasons. 

"I never would've pictured that." 

A stepping stone to success

In total, Adomah scored 20 goals and set-up 17 more in 120 appearances during his breakthrough spell at Barnet. 

Another future star in the form of Yannick Bolasie tore down the other flank for the Bees and would also go on to play at the highest level. 

As for Adomah, bigger things were on the horizon, as a glittering career at the likes of Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and boyhood club Queens Park Rangers followed. 

"That's the great thing. I'm by no means putting Barnet down, but when you start at a lower club, you're young and get that opportunity," he remarked. 

"It's like a stepping stone. Just like now at Walsall, it's a stepping stone from non-league to professional for some of the younger players. 

"If you do well, then you can elevate from Walsall and progress. That's what I did at Barnet basically. 

"They gave me that platform, I produced and then I moved on, which Yannick Bolasie did too. 

"Hopefully some of the youngsters here can do some the same - get promoted, or move on when they do well."