Former Championship striker Britt Assombalonga explains his surprising move to Harborough Town in the National League North
Former Championship football star Britt Assombalonga has made a surprising return to the non-league circuit, signing with Harborough Town in the National League North. The 33-year-old forward, who previously scored dozens of goals for clubs like Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, admitted that playing at this level is still a tough physical challenge, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Assombalonga explained that he joined the club to experience something different after spending time playing in Turkey and returning briefly to Watford and Barnet. The experienced striker noted that the move feels like coming full circle since he last played non-league football as a teenager with Wealdstone and Braintree Town, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Alongside his playing commitments, Assombalonga has also been coaching at Peterborough United to learn his craft as a manager. This dual role allows him to continue his development on the pitch while gaining valuable off-field experience, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Britt Assombalonga career journey and EFL success
Assombalonga built a reputation as a reliable goalscorer during his time in the English Football League. After coming through the ranks at Watford, he worked his way up through spells at Southend United and Peterborough United before starring for Nottingham Forest.
During his time at the City Ground, he bagged 30 goals in 65 games. He later secured a high-profile move to Middlesbrough, where he netted 45 goals in 152 appearances between 2017 and 2021, establishing himself as a prolific Championship forward.
Adapting to life in the National League North
Despite his extensive experience in the professional tiers, Assombalonga insists that non-league football is no walk in the park. He highlighted the presence of good players and great teams in the division, noting that the physical demands remain high.
Harborough Town is currently competing in its first-ever season at this level following promotion last campaign. Although the team experienced a strong start in August, where Assombalonga claimed two goals and two assists in three games, a recent dip in form has seen them drop to 17th position.
Balancing playing duties with coaching at Peterborough
The veteran forward views his time at Harborough Town as an ideal stepping stone for his future career in football management. By balancing his playing duties with coaching responsibilities at Peterborough, he is actively preparing for life after his playing days.
Assombalonga remains optimistic about the team's prospects for the remainder of the season. He emphasized that the margins in the National League North are fine, meaning a strong winning run can quickly propel any side back into promotion contention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team does Britt Assombalonga currently play for?
Britt Assombalonga currently plays for Harborough Town in the National League North after joining the non-league club to experience something different.
Why did Britt Assombalonga move to Harborough Town?
Assombalonga moved to Harborough Town to gain new experiences and align his playing career with his ongoing coaching development at Peterborough.
What are Britt Assombalonga's career statistics in the Championship?
Assombalonga scored 30 goals in 65 games for Nottingham Forest and 45 goals in 152 appearances for Middlesbrough during his time in the Championship.
How is Harborough Town performing in the National League North?
Harborough Town is playing its first season in the National League North, and despite a strong start in August, they recently dropped to 17th place.
