Talented teenager joins the Lions den

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL:

STRIKER Fabio Abreu will hope to be a roaring success after leaving Mossley for Portuguese top-flight side Maritimo.

The 17-year-old, who was born in Portugal, has penned a three-year deal with The Lions.

He came to prominence last season after a string of eye-catching performances for England Schoolboys and the Lilywhites’ youth side.

Gareth McClelland handed Abreu his senior debut in April, in which he scored with his first touch in the 2-0 win against AFC Fylde.

The Seel Park outfit have not received a fee as the forward was not under contract.

Secretary Harry Hulmes said: “If youth team players leave a club like City or United for another side, a fee is paid.

“But the difference is, big clubs put their youth players on contracts, whereas non-league clubs do not tend to do that.

“I don’t think we are entitled to any money for Fabio, but it is something I am going to check with the FA. There are certainly no hard feelings though — we are chuffed for the lad.”

Martimo, who won promotion to the Primeira Liga last season. Abreu’s arrival followed a week-long trial at giants Benfica.

McClelland said: “We wish Fabio all the best in Portugal.

“His rise demonstrates to all of our young players what can be achieved if they work hard. Fabio’s attitude is fantastic.

“It also shows this club invests a lot of time in its youngsters, we have a good coaching team and we are determined to produce quality players every year.”

McClelland believes Abreu will make a good impression at the Estadio dos Barreiros — as long as he is given enough match action.

“The move makes sense for him because he was born in Portugal.

“I think he will do well over there. My one concern was how much game time he gets, but with a three-year contract he has time on his side.

“Hopefully he will get the opportunity to make an impression at some point during the season because we all know he has bags of ability and potential.”




MOSSLEY slumped to a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of neighbours Ashton United in the Willow Wood Hospice Charity Cup last night.



Boss Gareth McClelland fielded the majority of his summer signings — of the remaining players from the last campaign, only Cavell Coo and Lee Rick started.

A Wayne Cahill brace and goals from Jon Bathurst and Josh Rose sealed a comprehensive win for the visitors.