Thomas Stewart: 'Signing for any club, you know a bit about their history, but then realise exactly how much it means to the fans'

Four league titles while on the books of clubs in six different countries is compelling evidence that Thomas Stewart has enjoyed a successful and intriguing playing career to date. Now, with Larne and rightly optimistic about their promotion credentials, Thomas spoke to extratime.ie.

A youth career taking in Portadown and Wolverhampton Wanderers didn't result in a first team appearance for the latter three and a half years after first arriving at Molineux. Returning to Northern Ireland with Linfield, the young forward won back-to-back doubles with the Blues in 2006/07 and 2007/8, but played on the wing for manager David Jeffrey for a considerable period.

“I always wanted to establish myself up front. When you're in a quality team at such a young age, there's always going to be competition. I learnt so much there, but knew I had to leave if I wanted to be a top striker. It wasn't so much wanting to be up front, but to take on more challenges. When you're young, you always want to see how far you can get.

In the summer of 2008, Stephen Kenny, then Derry City manager, signed Stewart and the club went on to win that season's League Cup, but the following year entered administration.

“I had no intentions of leaving. Stephen did his best with the club and brought them as far as he could. As for the bad stuff … For several months, we had no idea what was going on. I wasn't sure what the next move for me was. I had options in England and America, but didn't know what was best for me.”

Despite agreeing terms with Carolina Railhawks in March 2010, Thomas ultimately joined Shamrock Rovers - a decision which brought many rewards during an unforgettable season.

“Michael O'Neill showed great interest in me. Even though I was in America, he was constantly giving me a chance to come back. He understood that Derry had gone into liquidation and I was waiting to see what my options were. He persevered and told me that he really wanted me in his plans. It worked out great because we ended up with the title for the first time in years.”

In the Europa League, Thomas netted the winner away to Israeli side Bnei Yehuda, setting up a plum tie against Italian giants Juventus.

“Going into the second leg, it was 1-1, so they had the advantage of an away goal. We had to be resolute, cautious and play on the counter-attack when we could. The ball was thrown into the middle, I made a run into the box and scored. It was great for everybody and a game I'll never forget, as it meant we'd be playing Juventus next.”

An obvious high, but surely topped when Stewart also scored in the last league game of the season, as the Hoops clinched the 2010 Premier Division: “We needed at least a draw and I remember going in very confident because of the travelling support in Bray.

"We didn't have loads of chances, but still played okay. I think it was 1-1 at the break and then we scored early in the second half. The ball was won in midfield and I slotted home with my left foot. Signing for any club, you know a bit about their history, but then realise exactly how much it means to the fans.

"I played a part in regaining a league trophy for them and it's a great feeling. It's something in your career that you're proud to have achieved.”

A move to Partick Thistle ensued, but things there didn't quite work out as planned.

“Going to Partick was me chasing the game a wee bit. Michael wanted me to stay at Rovers and so did I, but part of me wanted to be tested across the water again. I felt that I'd done a lot in Ireland and wanted more, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. There wasn't a reason for it and was just one of those things.”

Re-signing for Shamrock Rovers in 2012, then under Stephen Kenny's stewardship, preceded the Northern Irishman teaming up with a new entity, Sacramento Republic, a couple of years later: “The biggest gamble I ever made in football and best decision as well. It was the most special club and I don't mean to be disrespectful to the others I've had, but because it was such a risk.

"Lots of people wouldn't have done it, but then I would never have played in front of 20,000+ crowds, broken records and won the championship … But it went further than the football. Sacramento had a strong bond with the community. You just didn't go in and do your football.

"After training, we would go to hospitals, schools and junctions. Winning something with that team made it much more meaningful. I had plenty of thinking to do before I signed, but California was a big draw. I said I'd give it a year and if it didn't work out, so be it.”

Upon leaving Sacramento in 2016, Thomas spent four months with the NASL's Ottawa Fury before linking up for a third time with Stephen Kenny - this time at Dundalk.

“He wants the best for you, as a person also and believes he can get that out of you … I've seen that time and again. At Derry, I saw his potential as a manager and that went perfectly with what I wanted to achieve. It's no surprise, the success he’s had along the way.”

Currently playing for Larne, who are flying high in the Bluefin Sport Championship with a third of the season remaining, Stewart refuses to accept that promotion is inevitable.

“We’re in a strong position, but there's so much we can improve on and that's a good thing. We can't let that slip and got to keep pushing and winning. It’ll be good to take that confidence into the remaining games.”