Sam Sodje talks Southampton snub: 2 reasons why Brentford promotion mattered more

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has opened up on his decision to turn down a move to Southampton in January 2006, choosing instead to stay at Brentford before eventually joining Reading that summer, Afrik-Foot exclusively reports.

Sodje, who went on to play in England for over a decade after leaving Brentford—including spells at Reading, Charlton Athletic, Notts County, and Portsmouth—revealed the move was carefully weighed rather than a snap decision.

“Very good journalism, you do not want to really get that,” Sodje said when asked about the reports. “Sometimes in life, the project has to be different.”

His push for promotion with Brentford

The first reason behind Sam Sodje turning down Southampton centred on unfinished business at Griffin Park, where Brentford were chasing a place in the second tier of English football at the time.

“Number one, Brentford at the time was going for promotion. That is number one,” Sodje said.

He explained that leaving mid-season would have meant walking away before the job was done.

“I was waiting on the verge of getting a promotion for Brentford,” Sodje said, “then move the next season, which happened, going to Reading.”

Brentford’s promotion push ultimately shaped the timing of his eventual departure, with Sam Sodje choosing to see out the campaign before making his next move that summer.

Guaranteed Premier League football, not just a Premier League badge

The second reason was about game time rather than reputation, with Sodje determined not to sign for a Premier League club unless he was certain to play.

“Number two, I wanted to go in the Premier League and play. I did not want to just sign for the Premier League,” he said.

Southampton’s position in the table at the time of their interest also factored into his thinking.

“I then was in the Premier League, and then I think it was in January window. I thought it was not right for me to go there at that time,” Sodje said. “I wanted to go to a Premier League club that I would play.”

He revealed that Southampton’s struggles that season made the timing feel wrong, even with their interest in him genuine.

“I knew they wanted me so bad, but I think they were at the bottom of the table at the time,” Sodje said. “So it was really good fair for me to stay at Brentford, try and get promotion, promotion with Brentford, then move the next season.”

No regrets over the decision

Looking back on the choice nearly two decades on, Sam Sodje made clear he holds no regrets over passing on Southampton.

“Listen, I will not change anything. I know I will not change anything. I love the club. I love my career, the way it went,” he said.

Asked whether he ever regretted the eventual move to Reading instead, his answer was immediate.

“Not at all,” Sodje said. “I only regretted that I got injured. My move to Reading was perfect. I was going to play.”

He explained that a knee injury picked up during his time at Reading was the only setback he would change if he could relive his career.

“The only regret I have in my career was I moved when I got injured. The year I was going, I got injured in my knee,” Sodje said. “And though I played another eight years, I had a fantastic career, but if I did not get that, at that time, I am very sure we will be talking about a different, different ball game by now with my career.”

Despite the injury setback, Sam Sodje said he remains proud of the career that followed, both at Reading and beyond.

“So I have got no regrets at all when it comes to my football career,” he said. “You go back to my football clubs, big clubs, to have such a career, I have played with so many clubs, is, you have to be proud. So I have got no regrets.”