Ashley Coffey reflects on life and football in China after Veikkausliiga success

After two successful seasons in Finland’s top flight Ashley Coffey has found a new home in China. The Englishman is a goalscoring machine, as he provided over twenty-eight goal contributions in forty-eight league games claiming the Veikkausliiga Golden Boot.

Coffey joined AC Oulu in January 2023 from Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna on a one-year deal with an option for a second year. His strong performance led the club to exercise their contract option to keep him for the 2024 season. It was his second year in Finland which granted him the Golden Boot alongside Jaime Moreno with the Englishman having a better goals per match ratio and the personal success was accompanied by the division’s “Forward of the year” recognition.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – AUGUST 19: Supporters of Djurgardens IF seen during an Allsvenskan match between Djurgardens IF and AFC Eskilstuna at Tele2 Arena on August 19, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Coffey confirmed his departure and announced he was signing in China’s second tier for Shanghai Jiading Huilong in January 2025. Continuing his strong form, netting ten goals and accumulating over two thousand minutes of playing time and featuring heavily as a center-forward.

Despite a strong personal performance, the side had a challenging season finishing in the lower half of the table.

Speaking on the season Ashely gave the ins and outs of the season:

What’s been your standout moment from the campaign?

“Playing in front of some big crowds was pretty cool. One of the games was played with 30,000 fans so the atmosphere was class in that game. Some of the goals I scored were also standout moments especially the free kick in my second to last game”

What’s the football scene like now? Has the focus shifted more towards developing local players rather than signing big names?

“I think in the top league there are some good players, especially foreigners playing there. It seems in the top league many of the foreign players are Brazilian. In the top league you are allowed to have 5 foreign players in your team whereas in the second league only 3 are allowed. 1 under 21 player also has to start in that starting line up also which promotes young Chinese players coming through. There aren’t so many huge names in China anymore. Their focus has shifted from the huge money they paid players 10-15 years ago.”

The question was regarding a very interesting time for football around the world and in China. Around 2016-2017, the Chinese Super League (CSL) became famous globally for a massive, state-backed influx of money. Clubs offered astronomical wages and transfer fees to lure high-profile international stars the likes of Oscar and Hulk.

JINAN, CHINA – AUGUST 12: Graziano Pelle #19 of Shandong Luneng shots during the 22nd round match of 2017 Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) between Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Luneng at Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Jinan, Shandong Province of China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)

How professional is the setup day-to-day — things like facilities, organisation, and fan engagement?

“It all depended on which club you play in in the second tier. There are some really professional clubs where standards are great, facilities and stadiums are good, however there are some clubs that aren’t so professional.”

What’s the fan culture like in the second tier? Are crowds still strong and passionate despite the league’s changes?

“The Chinese fans really surprised me. In some areas where there was only one professional football club the fans were crazy. It’s something that really impressed me. They live and breathe football especially in other cities. In my club, because the two main clubs Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port play, people often support one of those teams.”

How have you found living and playing in China culturally — what’s surprised you most about life there?

“It’s been a really good experience, I’ve enjoyed it a lot and learnt a lot about myself. Life is very nice and easy. It’s a really safe country and a lot of Chinese people are very warm and friendly. I didn’t really know what to expect before the season but I’d definitely recommend people to go and travel there.”

Finally, what are your personal goals for next season — do you want to stay in China and keep building on what you’ve achieved there?

“I’m hoping to continue what I have done the last few years and that’s score as many goals as possible. I’ve had a taste of the league there now and felt comfortable so whether it’s China or somewhere else I’m sure that I can have a positive impact.”

Ashley Coffey joined Jamie McCreedy’s Inside The Mind Of podcast speaking on his journey in football prior to the Englishman’s arrival into China. The pair both expressed high appraisal of one another.

Coffey is making the most out of a short footballing career, doing what he loves whilst travelling the world, trying new food, experiencing new cultures, and of course scoring goals for fun!