Ghanaian kid Koby Arthur keen to explode on loan at Cheltenham Town

Published on: 01 August 2014
Ghanaian kid Koby Arthur keen to explode on loan at Cheltenham Town
Koby Arthur

Koby Arthur is hoping he can live up to the nickname of 'pocket battleship' after joining Cheltenham Town on a six-month youth loan.

The 18-year-old winger was given the name by Lee Clark, manager of his parent club Birmingham City.

After moving to England from Ghana, Arthur was spotted playing for Southern League Woodford United.

It was not long before he was making his first-team debut as a substitute in the Championship against Wolves in April 2013.

Three more first-team outings followed before he was loaned to Conference Premier club Lincoln City, but he is aiming to force his way back into Birmingham's first team picture with a successful half season at Whaddon Road.

"I appreciate everything Birmingham City have done for me and it's not hopeless that I will go back there and do well because the manager gives young players chances," Arthur said.

"I have been there for three years now in the reserves and first team and if I do the right things at Cheltenham and listen to the coaches hopefully I can go back there and push.

"I was playing non-League football near Northampton and Reading and Birmingham showed an interest, but I chose Birmingham because they give young players opportunities."

Arthur made his first appearance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Conference South club Bath City, embarking on some skilful runs and proving to be one of the Robins' brightest performers on the day.

"I enjoyed it and it was a good game, but at times we struggled to keep the ball on a sticky pitch," Arthur said.

"We improved and I saw some nice touches, so we will get back to hard work and look forward to the start of the season.

"In League Two you need to be strong and properly fit because it is a lot of running football."

Arthur admitted his move to Lincoln came as a culture shock initially, but he soon adapted to the demands on Conference football.

"You have to be strong because that league is so competitive and I remember during my first game thinking 'what is this?'" he said.

"I was struggling to play, but the coach told me to think fast and when I had that in mind, the next game I was better and I got on well with the lads, so it was a good experience for me.

"I know League Two is going to be harder than the Conference because you meet good footballers and teams, but it's another test for me as a young player and I have to get used to it."

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