Former Rangers youth prospect Dapo Mebude has joined Airdrieonians with the aim of reviving his career after a period marred by a serious car accident and limited game time. The 24-year-old striker, who made his debut as a substitute in a 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Elgin City, believes he can recapture the form that once earned him a first-team appearance under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.
Near-Fatal Crash and Recovery
In January 2024, while playing for Belgian side KV Oostende, Mebude suffered a horrific car crash when his vehicle struck a tree en route to training. The impact left him with broken ribs, bruising around his heart, and required surgery. He was unconscious for five days in hospital and later described himself as 'lucky to be alive.' The incident disrupted his career, leading to a 'stop-start' period with spells at Dunfermline Athletic, Septemvri Sofia in Bulgaria, and Arbroath, where he struggled to find consistency.
Seeking Stability at Airdrie
As he approaches his 25th birthday, Mebude expressed hope that Airdrie could become his 'home' and provide the platform for a resurgence. Speaking to Lanarkshire Live Sport, he said: 'The last two seasons have been quite stop-start for me, but I think when I have played, I have done well. But sometimes I am in and out so I'm hoping I can make this my home.' He added that being with the squad from day one of pre-season allows him to set clear targets and work towards a successful campaign both individually and collectively.
Mebude has scored seven goals in 39 senior appearances across several clubs. He acknowledged the need to improve his goal tally, stating: 'I came through as a striker but in my later teen years I started playing off the left. Everyone sees me as a striker so sometimes people might say I have not scored enough goals. Whether I am playing wide left or as a striker, I should be scoring more goals but I am hoping I can nail down a position here – whether that is on the left or through the middle – and get goals and assists.'
Managerial Confidence and Familiarity
Airdrie boss John Rankin previously encountered Mebude during his time as a youth coach at Hearts, while Mebude starred for Rangers' Under-20s. Mebude believes Rankin can help him rediscover his best form. 'The gaffer has managed against me when he was a youth coach so he has known me since I was young. He has seen my best attributes growing up, seen me break through and he just wants me to get back to that level,' Mebude explained. 'He believes he can get me back to that level and get the best out of me and I believe he can as well. The environment here is good so I will work hard and hope we can all have a successful season together.'
Rankin expressed similar optimism, saying: 'We're delighted to get Dapo in – we had to work hard on this one. Dapo came in as one of the trialists over pre-season, and his effort level and endeavour throughout that time has been impressive and his sharpness has certainly caught the eye. He's maybe at the point in his career where he needs to find a home, and hopefully we can be that place for him to kick-start his career and reignite himself. I'm certain he can be from the glimpses that we've seen of him and the quality he possesses, along with the attributes that he has. Dapo should be a star for us and a fans favourite.'
Pre-Season Debut and Team Integration
In the friendly against Elgin City, Mebude played the second half and felt the team, featuring 12 trialists, showed promise despite a lack of clinical finishing. 'I knew a few boys beforehand. I played with Matty Yates at youth level and I think the chemistry is there. We made some good movements together. Obviously we could have been a bit more clinical as a team but it was the first game and it was about getting minutes. I think we will get stronger and stronger with every game,' he said. Mebude added that several teammates have played at a good level, and if the squad focuses on itself, they can have a strong season.
