From the O's: 'Had the power, the speed, and the ability to surprise people'
Having spent 8 years at the Borient most have a good word for him, though going to Southend seems to have clouded a few of their memories!
'Milano' on the www.leytonorient.com message board remembered him fondly enough: "I saw him a few times and he had the power, the speed, and the ability to surprise people - not least himself. He clearly didn't have a cool head of a goal poacher but few people do. I just thought, 'hoped' if you like, that he would learn the business of playing football and knowing when to make a startegic/tactical decision and what the decision should be. I hoped Boyd would have the right influence."
Let's hope Barney has, at least they know each other!
'Soulman' added: "If he does well, I think we should try and sign him for longer, until the end of the season. You just know he will get goals for them could see him and Barnard doing well. He is a very skilful player and he bagged a few for us didn't he when he was kept in the side and gained confidence."
Meanwhile, 'Billmoria' is not so convinced: "Jabo always flattered to deceive. If you look at his raw ability he always gives the impression that he could score. He is strong and fast. However, his first touch is often terrible. He never moves early enough. He waits to see what is happening and by the time he moves he usually has missed his chance. He hustles and he cares but he does not score enough goals. Course, the same could be said for a few current Orient strikers."
While MysteriO came straight to the point: "Jabo, are you insane?"
It was at Walsall that he seems to have been really popular with quite an outcry when he went to MK Dons in the summer. The belief was he wanted to return to his London roots but a bigger pay packet was on offer from the Franchise.
Not the first time we've heard that, stand up Mr. Theo Robinson, and in the end who can blame them?
However, www.walsall-mad.co.uk editor 'Zidane' only has good words to say about him: "Jabo will be remembered at Walsall for his all action, leading of the line. A terrific forward who always gave 100%, perhaps he didn't score as many as he should with a couple of glaring misses along the way but there was no doubt about it, he was a fans favourite. With 11 goals in 39 starts and 4 appearances off-the-bench, he was just 1 goal behind top-scorer Troy Deeney. At the end of season parade around the pitch Walsall thanked Jabo with his Jabo! Jabo! Jabo! chant which was sung regularly in the stands in appreciation of our powerful front man."
'Sadlad' wrote on Roots Hall Roar: "He soon became a fans favourite here with his work rate and be it out wide or down the middle he knows how to put in a shift. Not a natural goalscorer but very useful to have around. Yes, he got the winner against MK Dons that stopped them gaining automatic promotion. Hope he does well for you."
Finally, 'RedonRed' on MKDonsMAD: "With the dismal run we're on at the moment I'm not sure who fits into Ince's plans. As for Jabo, when he's come on as a sub he's done fairly well, but he hasn't impressed that well when he's started."
For Shrimpers fans then, Tuesday night should bring a few answers on who is in the right camp where young Jabo is concerned and if he can deliver the goods to gain some consistency in our results. Norwich, then Charlton, is not an easy start.
(And apologies Jabo, and readers, for having re-christened the player Jason Friday! Having one eye on work while trying to post copy is not recommended, everything through the editor from now on!)