Henrik Ojamaa shot to fame with Motherwell in 2012 in a quick-fire rise from obscurity to become one of the Scottish games most feared forwards.
Estonian Ojamaa had previously played in the UK with Derby County but after leaving the Rams had spells in Germany, Holland and Finland without ever quite fully establishing himself.
Arriving at Fir Park on trial after he had left RoPS in Finland Henrik clearly made an impression on ‘Well boss Stuart McCall. He was latterly invited to return for a second trial period at the club, at the end of which he signed a deal until the end of the 2011’12 season.
Coming off the bench in the Scottish Cup 4th round tie against Queen’s Park on 7th January ‘12 Ojamaa would make an instant impact netting on his debut in ‘Well’s 4-0 win.
Henrik’s impressive form would continue with 5 goals in his first 6 games securing him the SPL Young Player of the Month award for January 2012 and an improved and extended contract.
Flourishing in a Motherwell side packed with attacking flair and verve he developed a particularly good understanding with the prolific Michael Higdon and added another four goals before the end of the season.
Ojamaa’s game more was more than just about goalscoring though. Indeed if anything his goals were an added bonus as he routinely tormented opponents with his terrific pace, control and trickery, setting up countless chances for his team-mates in the process.
His part in Nicky’s Law goal in a 3-0 win over Hearts a few months into his career for example was Ojamaa at his best. Drawing no fewer than four Hearts defenders towards him on the edge of the area, he beat one. Then another. Twisting this way and that he astutely kept possession just long enough to allow the oncoming Jamie Murphy to take possession of his pass. One angled ball later and Nicky Law had fired home. Law’s name was on the score-sheet but the build up was pure Henrik.
In the summer of 2013 Ojamaa was snapped up by Poles Legia Warsaw but an early injury meant he struggled to settle in as well he would have hoped.
Henrik made a welcome return on loan to Motherwell in August 2014 in an effort to return to full fitness and with ‘Well struggling it was hoped he could help kick-start the club’s season.
Although he added 4 goals to the previous thirteen he’d scored first time around he took some time to get up to speed and never quite hit the same heights of his first spell at Fir Park.
It can sometimes be the case that a unique set of circumstances will allow a player to perform at their best. With a minimal level of expectation, a hugely supportive manager in Stuart McCall and a group of top quality team-mates, Henrik most certainly did that in his opening spell at Motherwell where ‘Well fans were able to enjoy watching him at his peak.