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Zesh Rehman

Zesh Rehman
Norwich Career: 2006 (5 appearances) (on loan from Fulham) 
Current Club: Portsmouth (First Team Development Coach)
Date of Birth: 14/10/1983  (Birmingham)
Nationality: Pakistan

Biography

22 year old Fulham player Zesh Rehman joined Norwich on a six month loan on 31st January 2006. He had made just five appearances for the Cottagers during the 2005/6 season so far. He can play at centre-back, centre-midfield or right-back. Nigel Worthington said "We've watched Zesh and he's done very well. He's a young - a very, very good player. Plus at six foot two, he's a big lad and with Johansson six-foot two too, their height will be a big help.”

Zesh made his debut for Fulham during the 2003/4 season - during which he had a loan spell at Brighton making 11 appearances for the South Coast side scoring twice. He made 17 appearances for Fulham during 2004/5/

Zesh has been capped by England at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 but chose to represent Pakistan as a full international. As one of only two Asian players currently competing in the Premiership, he is a big role model to young Asians in England and overseas. "At the moment football in Pakistan is just taking off. They just need a catalyst to get it going, and hopefully that can be me. Obviously my situation means that I can link England and Pakistan together. Football's a massive game in Pakistan, and they're now putting a lot of time, effort and funding into getting us to a major competition. They've told me that they see me as an ambassador because of where I play my football, so it gives me some extra responsibility. They want to make me captain too, which is a great honour. I'll be just as proud to represent Pakistan as England." He made his international debut in December 2005 against Sri Lanka and accumulated 23 caps, captaining the side in the 2015 Peace Cup tournament. He scored one international goal.

His full debut came on 5th February in the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich at Carrow Road. He made five appearances for Norwich during his loan spell

In July 2006, Zesh was the subject of a bid from Swansea City who had spent £375,000 on his Fulham teammate Dean Leacock. On 30th July 2006, The People suggested that Zesh was the target of both Coventry City and Birmingham City. According to the following Sunday's the People, Zesh and teammate Sylvain Legwinski have been told that they do not fit into Fulham manager Chris Coleman's plans. He joined QPR on 8th June 2006 as a replacement for Danny Shittu who had moved to Watford.

On 22nd March 2007, Zesh was loaned to Brighton and Hove Albion

In early January 2008, Zesh was transfer-listed by newly wealthy QPR who are seeking to revamp their squad in order to push for promotion to the Premiership.

Rehman, along with teammate Daniel Nardiello, joined Blackpool at the end of July 2008 which saw former Norwich target Kaspars Gorkss move to QPR. Rehman signed on a six month loan contract with the prospect of it becoming permanent in January 2009. Nardiello signed a two year deal with the Seasiders

Rehman returned to QPR in the winter of 2008 but with changes in management at Blackpool, the Seasiders did not seem keen to take him on. At the end of January 2009, he was loaned out instead to Bradford City. Rehman was released by QPR on 19th May 2009 and returned to Bradford signing for them in June 2009.

Following Rehman’s criticism of manager Peter Taylor’s team selection on a live radio show, he was stripped off the Bradford captaincy and allowed to leave on a free transfer on 21st December to join Thai Premier League side Muang Thong United. Rehman becomes the first former English Premier League player in the new-look Thai league.

The TPL, created in 1996, has undergone a major revamp in the last two years following pressure from the Asian Football Confederation to commercialise the league and raise playing standards. Most clubs are now owned by big local companies.

Muang Thong United is Thailand's richest club, owned mostly by a local media company and boasting a new stadium with a capacity of 25,000. They won the Thailand Premier League (TPL) title in 2009 in its first season in the top flight.

“This move is a good opportunity for him because we couldn't guarantee him a starting place. We wish him all the best at Muang Thong, he is welcome back any time." Said Taylor

He moved to Kitchee SC in Hong Kong in January 2012. Rehman won his first piece of Silver wear of his Hong Kong career by playing a leading role in Kitchees 2-1 Halewinner League Cup win over cloes rivals Pegagus at The Mon Kok Stadium on 15th April 2012. Rehman helped Kitchee retain the Hong Kong First Division title with a 4-1 victory over Rangers in the last league game to clinch the title. Rehman and Kitchee finished the season in impressive fashion by overcoming Pegagus after penalty kicks to win The FA Cup Final at The Hong Kong Stadium. The victory was a historic moment for the club as Kitchee were crowned domestic treble winners, a feat that has never been matched by a Hong Kong club.

On 4th December 2013, Rehman signed for Malaysian side Pahang. They play in the Malaysian Super League and were the current Malaysia Cup holders.

On the 28th June 2016 Zesh announce via his social media accounts he had amicably agreed to terminate with Pahang FC after a successful 3-year spell at the club. Zesh said:"I would love a future return in a coaching role, something which was offered to me at the start of this season but was not the right moment for me. I will be back to visit my sons birthplace of Kuantan. Pahang have the best fans in Malaysia & are by far the best I have played for. Leaving here on excellent terms with the hierarchy, fantastic memories & many formed friendships. Good luck to all the staff & team for the rest of the season. Thank you".

On 23rd February 2017, Rehman returned to English football by joining League One side Gillingham until the end of the 2016/17 season. Rehman made his debut for the club in a 2–1 Victory over Southend, drawing praise from manager Adrian Pennock for his performance and leadership. He was released at the end of the season, having made 10 appearances and scroing once.

On 14th June 2017, Rehman announced via his Twitter page that he had signed with Southern, returning to Hong Kong for the first time since 2013. He was appointed as Southern's player-manager on 16th May 2020, achieving his first coaching role since passing his UEFA Pro Liecnse.

He announced his returement from playing in May 2022.

Rehman returned to England in June 2022 joining Portsmouth's academy as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach, overseeing their under-18s. He replaces Liam Daish. On 23rd March 2023 he was appointed as First Team Development Coach. On 16th April 2024 his work paid off as Portsmouth secured the League One title with a 3-2 win over Barnsley.

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