Ayo Obileye: Livingston 'work ethic' secured switch from Queen of the South
- Published
Ayo Obileye scored nine goals during his time at Queen of the South
Ayo Obileye says he turned down an offer from another Scottish Premiership club to join Livingston from Queen of the South due to their "work ethic".
The 26-year-old has signed a two-year contract at the end of his short-term deal with the Championship outfit.
The versatile midfielder said he joined Queens in September hoping it would prove a springboard to the top flight.
"I had another option in the Premiership and down south in England and other options abroad," he said.
"But I've come up to Scotland to take Queens to the highest possible position in the league and also to get myself a move. That's what I've done, so I'm happy about that."
A former Chelsea youth, Englishman Obileye had spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic, but it was with National League sides Dagenham & Redbridge, Eastleigh, Dover Athletic, Maidenhead United and Ebbsfleet United that he tasted first-team football.
Obileye finished joint-second top goalscorer in the Championship with nine goals in 27 games as he helped Queens move clear of relegation to finish sixth this season - and he is looking forward to his next challenge.
"I've watched Livingston a few times this season and seen they have a good group of players and I like their work ethic in training and what they put in during games," he said. "That sold it for me really."
Livi boss David Martindale described Obileye, who has the option of a third year with the West Lothian club, as "very robust and physically up to the challenge".
"He's aggressive in both boxes and can play as either a central defender or holding midfielder," he added. "He chips in with his fair share of goals - and not all coming from set plays.
"I am delighted that Ayo has chosen Livingston over a number of other Premiership clubs who were also chasing his signature. He has been a target for us for a large portion of the season."
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