Erico’s big year
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman is backing Erico De Sousa to go from strength to strength this season after signing a contract exten
sion at the club.
De Sousa has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at the Wham Stadium, meaning he will remain a Stanley player until at least 2020.
Accrington also have the option to extend that for a further year past the 2019/20 season, and Coleman is confident that De Sousa can build on his recent success.
“He’s done well this year, he went out on loan to Barrow and come back a lot stronger.” he told the club’s official website.
“He’s one of them players that lights up the pitch when he gets on the ball and his confidence gets going, he’s a very dangerous player when he’s got the ball at his feet.
“Hopefully this will be a big year for him and he kicks on.”
Along with his loan spell at Barrow, De Sousa also made five appearances for Stanley during the last season, with four of those coming in League One matches.
The former Portugal Under-19 international has made a total of 15 appearances for the club, and contributed with three goals and one assists during the 2017/18 EFL Trophy campaign.
He’s loved his team at Stanley so far, and is looking forward to kicking on and playing a key part for the team over the coming year.
“I’m happy to sign a new deal, obviously, I didn’t get much game time last season but I’m glad that the manager still has faith in me,” said De Sousa.
“Game time is right now the most important thing for me and it’s the thing that I’m focusing on and just certain little things.
“I’ve been playing out wide but if it was to come across I would play in the centre of the midfield. Right now we’re still trying to get to know the other lads that have come in, but I think we’re trying to push towards the PlayOffs and I personally believe that we can get there.”
Meanwhile, Accrington striker Niall Watson has left the club to join Sligo Rovers on loan until the end of the League of Ireland season.
Watson said: “When I was in Sligo for the friendly I could see what a good club it is so when the gaffer (John Coleman) mentioned their interest I was delighted.
“He told me more about them too so now I’m really excited. I had three loan spells last year and I’m ready to keep playing.
“It’s a great experience for me to move over and become part of a club like Sligo Rovers, I’m really up for it.”