Ross County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah resolves never to take football for granted after signing contract extension to remain in Dingwall with the Staggies
Jordan Amissah says it was only natural that he would want to stay at Ross County for the next couple of years after agreeing a new contract.
The German-Ghanaian shot-stopper put pen-to-paper on a new deal earlier this week that ties him to the Dingwall outfit until the summer of 2027.
It is quite the turnaround for Amissah, who had spent the first half of this season as a free agent following his exit from Sheffield United.
Initially signing for the Staggies as cover when Ross Laidlaw picked up an injury, the former Schalke and Borussia Dortmund youth would quickly get his chance in the starting 11 and has not looked back since.
Such has been the impression Amissah has made, even after Laidlaw returned to fitness, it has been the mid-season signing who kept his place in goal, and now the pair look set to battle it out for the gloves into next season at least.
On his contract extension, Amissah said: "It's been an amazing few days. I've known for a few days that it was pretty much done, so it was good to get it announced.
"It's nice for me, my partner and my family to know that for the next two years I'll be employed. It's a good feeling, and I'm happy that it's here and not somewhere else.
"It's a really good gaffer and changing room, and the people in and around the club that make everything work have been excellent. Everyone has been so loving and welcoming, so it has been really good.
"Obviously if everything goes well off the pitch, it gives you a platform to perform, so I think everything has worked to play a massive part in how things have gone over the last few months.
"When the approach came about committing to Ross County, it was a no-brainer and something I wanted to get done as soon as possible.
"Now there are no question marks about me and my commitment to this club for the next couple of seasons."
Amissah appreciates the fact that he has been trusted to play week in, week out in Dingwall, a factor that made it all the simpler a decision to commit to the club.
That has not always been the case in his career though. Having played for multiple academies in Germany – including boyhood club Schalke where he idolised Manuel Neuer – he would move to England in a bid to find a new club at just 16 years old.
After a trial with Aston Villa, he would land at Sheffield United, but after three loan spells and no first team breakthrough looking likely he left last summer.
He had a spell training with Partick Thistle but could not come to an agreement, meaning he was still unattached when County came calling in December.
Those challenges have built up a resolve in Amissah, though, that means he is determined not to let his opportunity in the Scottish Premiership pass by.
“Leaving home at 16 was the best thing I've ever done, because it led me to here, playing professional football week in, week out,” Amissah reasoned.
"Dealing with rejection from a young age is tough. I wouldn't wish anyone to go through that, but football is a very tough business. Occasionally it's cut-throat, but it made me the person I am now.
"At the same time, it motivates you because you never want to be in that position again. You're always working hard, and you never take that position for granted.
"At stages of my career when I was young and childish, I probably did take it for granted because I was playing for a big club, and I thought I had achieved everything even though I was miles off it.
"I was foolish back then, but now I'm a few years older I will never take these situations for granted again.
"That's what motivates me, because I want to do well for the people who helped me through the tough times, and for myself to make sure I'm setting a foundation.
"I'm never scared of making a mistake while playing football – you just have to try and make sure you have more credit in the bank than bad.
"It's part and parcel of the game, and I enjoy it. Now I think I thrive off that pressure and being under the cosh."
