Club Statement: Fuad Kasali steps up into the North West Counties for Atherton LR

Manchester Central can confirm that Fuad Kasali has departed the club to join North West Counties First Division side Atherton Laburnum Rovers FC. The club would like to thank Fuad for his time at Central, where he was an integral part of the team both on and off the pitch, and wish him all the best with his career.

Fuad made the number 9 shirt his own during his time, helping the club to gain promotion from Manchester Football League Division Two as he finished the 2021/22 season as the league's 3rd top goalscorer, netting an impressive 31 goals in 23 games.

The striker had started the 2022/23 season in a similarly rich vein of form, having adjusted to life in Division One well. At the point of his departure, Fuad topped the goalscoring table with 13 goals in 11 games.

Whilst the club is sad to see Fuad join Atherton LR, the club recognises that his talent is well-suited to the higher division and that the number 9 will positively impact his new club's campaign. Manchester Central is proud of what Fuad was able to achieve during his time at the club and is pleased to offer a pathway for talent to progress further up the football pyramid.

Fuad scoring his last goal for Central against Heywood St James

Manchester Central manager, Chris Tomkinson, has made the following statement:

"Fuad has been great for us and it has been a pleasure to see him perform in the white and black Manchester Central shirt. He has been an integral part of the side over the last couple of seasons, and he played a key role in our promotion campaign last year before quickly adapting to Division One football."

"A large part of the philosophy at Manchester Central is to allow young talents to use the club as a platform to improve and develop, with the knowledge that they have the opportunity to impress scouts and progress their careers without the club standing in their way. Fuad's move to Atherton LR is proof that this pathway exists, should our players conduct themselves in a professional manner and possess the right work ethic. Furthermore, it also signals to other clubs that there is a pipeline of talent in this area and at this level. I am sure that Fuad Kasali will not be the last Manchester Central player to receive an opportunity such as this."

"We have known for a while that Fuad could ply his trade higher up in the pyramid, and we recognise that now is the time for him to do so. It is a fantastic opportunity for him to step up into the North West Counties and could offer him the chance at becoming a semi-professional footballer. We wish Fuad all of the best and thank him for his effort and hard work whilst playing for the club."