“JAY EMMANUEL-THOMAS scored on his debut for Braintree Town months after serving time for drug smuggling. The former Arsenal star, 34, joined the National League club on a free yesterday. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored on his Braintree debut, the same day as he signed for them Credit: Shutterstock”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
The former Arsenal star, 34, joined the National League club on a free yesterday.
Thank you!
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored on his Braintree debut, the same day as he signed for themCredit: Shutterstock
The ace was snapped up after serving time for drug smugglingCredit: Shutterstock Emmanuel-Thomas went straight into their matchday squad to play Truro City on Saturday afternoon as a substitute.
And the striker netted in a 2-0 win, opening the scoring with just five minutes left to play.
Emmanuel-Thomas was picked up by Braintree after a brief spell playing for AFC Totton.
His transfer came five months after he was released from jail for plotting to import £600,000-worth of cannabis.
Emmanuel-Thomas was sentenced to four years behind bars but was released after 10 months.
Braintree chairman Lee Harding told BBC Essex that the forward had “repaid his debt to society.”
Manager Steve Pitt also admitted he had wanted to sign Emmanuel-Thomas while the player was still in custody.
He said: “Having spoken to Jimmy Ball at AFC Totton a few weeks ago and knowing that the boy was looking to relocate, I decided to have a look at Jay.
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“Myself and (assistant manager) Karl Duguid feel he still has a lot to offer and look forward to him contributing to our quest to stay in the National League.”
Emmanuel-Thomas was first arrested in September 2024 after border officials seized two suitcases containing 60kg of cannabis at Stansted Airport.
Emmanuel-Thomas (centre) started his career at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
The ace (centre) made five senior appearances for the GunnersCredit: PA:Empics Sport The drugs had been brought into the UK from Thailand by Emmanuel-Thomas’ girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska.
And the player pleaded guilty early in May before returning to football with Totton in July.
Emmanuel-Thomas made five senior appearances for boyhood club Arsenal.
He also starred at Ipswich, Bristol City and QPR while also winning caps for England’s U19s.