by Paul Eddison
ITALIAN 90s Europop had the same staying power as Pogs and the Power Rangers, but it's experiencing the most unlikely revival in Accrington – thanks to Tariqe Fosu-Henry.
The 20-year-old wasn't even 12 months old when Gala released Freed From Desire in 1996, but Stanley fans have been so impressed since his arrival at the Wham Stadium last month that they have come up with a new version of the song for their tricky winger.
‘Fosu's on Fire' is now a regular refrain in the stands as the on-loan youngster regularly confounds defenders with his trickery and frankly rude nutmegs.
Almost as unlikely has been Stanley's promotion bid – aiming to reach League One for the first time in their history – and Fosu-Henry has played a major role since arriving from Reading at the end of March.
Integration has been no problem, and the starlet admits it's been easy to settle into a club where he has become a cult hero in such a short spell.
“The fans have been amazing, especially when you think I've come in for such a short space of time,” he said.
“It's such a confidence boost when you have the support like that, and ‘Fosu's on Fire' has been great.
“I'm buzzing from having my own song. It's the first time in my career andit's pretty crazy.
“When I arrived, the aim was to get some football, but everyone, the fans, the manager, the players, has been great with me.
“Obviously, promotion is what we all want and, even on loan, you want to be part of it.
“I want to play as well as I can, but it's important to impress the fans and get them on their feet, too. The nutmegs and tricks: there are a few of us who do it and that's been great.”
Originally from London and having come through the ranks at Reading, Fosu-Henry made his professional debut at the end of last season away at Derby.
Coming on as a sub after half an hour, Fosu-Henry helped Reading to a 3-0 win, but he has not featured for the Royals since.
Instead, a first loan spell at Fleetwood came at the end of 2015, followed by this stint at Accrington, where three goals in his first six games have kept the club on course for League One.
The plan is still to return to Reading next season – and the Championship side have been keeping tabs on their man – but Fosu-Henry believes he has learned a lot from his spell on the road under John Coleman.
“Reading came to watch me last weekend and they said I've been doing well,” he added.
“In my debut last year, I had a good game but I got injured in pre-season. Then, when I came back, it wasn't a great time. They were going through a rough patch.
“So, I had the chance to go on loan to Fleetwood, and I think I learned a lot there.
“And then, after coming back, I still wasn't really getting a look in, so when the chance to go to Accrington came up, I jumped at it. I thought I would really have to work to get a chance, but it's gone so well and I've got a lot of games.
“The gaffer has really helped me here and told me to just go out and play my game.
“It's a long way from home, but I've settled in and that's not been a problem at all.
“Next season, Reading want me to come back and, hopefully, I can break into the first team.
“I definitely think I've learned a lot from this experience, though, and now I want to help Accrington get promotion. That would help me at Reading, but it would also be great for the club here.”
