We are thrilled to announce that Michael Afuye has signed a professional contract with Conference National side Rochdale after a successful trial period with the club.
Michael did not make his semi-professional debut until the start of the 21-22 campaign. After a promising first season, he really came into his own last year, finishing as our top scorer with 13 goals and earning numerous Man of the Match awards from our opposition with a string of dazzling displays.
After impressing in preseason friendlies against Chorley and Tranmere Rovers, Dale have decided to offer him the chance to take his first steps in the professional arena.
Manager Alex Frost had this to say about the young winger:
‘We are all delighted that Michael has been given the opportunity to be a professional footballer. We are also incredibly proud of him, and we cannot wait to see what full time training will bring to his development.
‘For me, one of the key markers of a successful football club is when your players attract attention from clubs at a higher level, and so it is obviously really satisfying for our coaching staff that Michael has attracted more than just a passing interest from a club of Rochdale’s calibre.
‘However, on a personal level, no one deserves it more than him – he has a very level-headed attitude, there is absolutely no arrogance about him, and his work ethic is impeccable. His time-keeping is horrific! – but he more than makes up for that with his desire and dedication, and he has therefore been an absolute pleasure to work with over the last eighteen months.
Chairman Rob Fuller was similarly unequivocal in his praise:
‘This is an incredibly proud day for our club in that Michael is the first Avro player ever to sign a professional contract. And I can honestly say that it could not have happened to a nicer lad – the way that he conducts himself both on and off the pitch is absolutely exemplary.’
‘We are so happy for him and we really hope that this is just the first step in his professional career, as we believe that he has the potential to go even higher in due course.’
Congratulations, Michael – we will miss you enormously, but we wish you the very best of luck with the next stage of your football career!
