The full-back spent 12 years at Cappielow and was one of the academy’s first ever inductees but he has now decided to kickstart his career on foreign soil
Lewis Strapp feels wanted right now. And for that reason, the youthful Scot decided to take a chance and launch his career in Finland. This summer, after serving as one of the club academy’s inaugural entrants for 12 years at Cappielow, he concluded his tenure at Greenock. There was no regret or sadness when he left the room for the last time. Just pride, a little of resentment, and the urge to travel to new places and begin new adventures. Strapp feels that the club where he had spent his entire life should have done better for him.
Dougie Imrie, a former gaffer, and other Morton employees will undoubtedly have an opinion on the matter. However, under Scots coach Stevie Grieve, the 24-year-old left-back is starting a new chapter at SJK, a Finnish team. He had the option to remain in the SPFL and have Championship teams pursue him. However, he was swayed in his decision by a new life in Scandinavia, a different playing style, and the possibility of playing football in Europe. And Strapp is convinced that he made the right decision.
The defender told Record Sport, “I’m from Dunoon, across the water, so I liked to think of myself as a local boy,” as he thought back on how it all ended at Morton. However, I had my emotional moment a year ago when I left Cappielow. This time? It was more relief than rage. I’m confident I performed my duties at the club effectively.
We went from finishing last in the league to fourth place the year after I rejoined the team. Dougie, who hadn’t talked to me much at the end of the season, met with each player on the final day. He was only able to give me shortened terms, and I didn’t even stay to find out how much. I decided that was enough and that it was time to go on.
“I sustained a terrible injury a year ago. The gaffer informed me that I wasn’t in his plans for the upcoming season when my contract expired while I was injured. It’s football, I had to get over it. The club promised to take care of me and let me resume my fitness. However, I was denied entry to the building while the other boys were inside during pre-season. I could only enter after they had departed at 2:00 pm.
“I was simply dismissed. After that, I started to lose my mind because I couldn’t believe it was occurring and didn’t think it was appropriate. As it turned out, the club needed me once more when Calum Waters, Morton’s left-back, sustained an injury. “You probably think I’m a p***k, but if you sign here you’ll play,” Dougie told me over the phone. He was correct, so I signed once again.
“It was fine for a few months, but I didn’t want there to be any bad blood. I felt like I had fire in me, so I used that energy to assist them turn things around last season.
I was really enjoying it, but things quickly deteriorated once more, and eventually we didn’t speak. One day, as Dougie was walking down the hallway, I could see the drift heading my way. It was just uncomfortable.
“I had to leave a game against Dunfermline wounded, and that was it for me. I had made up my mind to go this summer. I had a great relationship with the club, so it was a chaotic period.
While speaking with other Scottish clubs, Strapp received a call from SJK in Finland. He was invited by the club to train for ten days, but he had a conflicting appointment. He had a getaway and a stag party scheduled for that time. The full-back found himself in a major predicament. But he knew deep down that there was just one choice to be made for his future. He said: “I was definitely scared to move my entire life abroad when this possibility came up.
“You don’t really consider visiting Finland when you’re in Scotland. You simply picture England, or perhaps a lower-division Premiership team. In addition, I was scheduled for a holiday in Ibiza and a stag do in Dublin at the time SJK requested me to come over. I had to forfeit the holidays for which I had paid about two thousand dollars.
“When I had this opportunity, I had to consider my career and what I needed to do. I therefore simply fired the stag and went on vacation. I had to tell my friends via SMS that I was actually heading to Finland.
“They comprehended; I wasn’t leaving without a reason.” The sporting director at SJK gave me a call on FaceTime and explained why they were interested in me.
Before I took off for that destination, they sent along a contract. That was a very significant thing. I had to go see a club and a manager who genuinely wanted me. That wasn’t the case at Morton for a few years.
SJK is now just three points behind leaders HJK Helsinki in fourth place in the Finnish top division. Now that Strapp is cleared to play for Grieve’s team, who is still in the cup, a European spot could be within reach.
The most recent Scottish professional to work overseas is eager to experience a different level of football, which could lead to opportunities for him throughout Scandinavia. “I’m excited about a fresh challenge and new life over here,” stated Strapp.
“I wouldn’t have stayed in Scotland for the wrong reasons if I had. I wished I had signed with another Championship team so I could play four games a year versus Morton. That is incorrect, though. It’s a different kind of football in Finland, and I think that will improve both my game and myself as a person.
This is a rare chance for guys, and it will expand my football horizons. I’m confident I’ll learn from this fresh experience in life.
“So far, adjusting to a new culture has been fantastic. Naturally, the presence of a Scottish gaffer was highly appealing. We just advanced to the cup quarterfinals during this midseason. It’s a major deal around here because winning it gets you into the Conference League play-offs.
“I’m just getting up to speed with the other boys in terms of sharpness because I couldn’t play until July 3.” I’m eager to start going now.
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