HARBOROUGH TOWN | SANDRO COMES TO THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Manager 'gobsmacked' by signing coup

Harborough Town have brought former Brazil international and FA Premier League player, Sandro, to the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.

The Leicestershire outfit are competing at Step 3 for the first-ever time this season and are also on a record-breaking run in the Emirates FA Cup where they have an away tie at Reading to look forward to in the second round at the end of this month.

“This is an unbelievable signing for the club,” beamed manager, Mitch Austin. “It’s hard to put into words how I am feeling! It all came about following a chance conversation I had with Sandro a couple of weeks ago.

“We got talking about football and I told him all about Harborough Town and the journey that the club is on. We have been messaging ever since, but to actually get this signing over the line… well, I am gobsmacked to be honest!

“These sort of signings don’t happen every day but when you get the chance to sign an ex-professional who has played at the highest levels of the game, you just can’t turn it down.

“Being a Spurs fan myself, I knew all about Sandro, but it’s when you look back at the photos of him lined up alongside the likes of Neymar Jr., Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Marcelo, it just hits home at the levels he has played, and now here he is at Harborough Town.

“He retired just over a year ago but has kept himself really fit and is such a down-to-earth guy, very genuine and humble. You could sense that there was a real desire on his part to get the signing done and for him to get back out there playing football.

“We are delighted to have him here; the players and staff can learn so much from him. His professionalism will give an understanding of what is needed to progress and play at the highest possible level of the game.”

Sandro spoke to talkSPORT about the move this week. “I want to go there and enjoy my football again. I have been doing work in the gym and running, but I miss football and I miss being part of a team.

“This is my last chance to join a team as a player and enjoy it. I have just done my UEFA B Licence and I am looking forward to feeling the buzz of the dressing room again.

“I love football and stories like Harborough’s FA Cup run are what make it so special.”

A home encounter with Royston Town awaits The Bees on Saturday. Could Sandro make his Pitching In Southern League debut?

IMAGE: Harborough Town FC

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