San’s the man to boost Reds ranks
ACCR I N GT ON Stanley have signed Mo Sangare from Premier League side Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal.
The 21-year-old becomes the fifth signing of the summer for the Reds, following Matt Butcher, Tom Allan (also signed from Newcastle United), Ryan Cassidy and Cameron Burgess in joining John Coleman’s squad ahead of the upcoming 2020/21 League One campaign.
Stanley’s season kicks off this evening in a Carabao Cup first round clash away at Burton Albion (kick off 7.30pm), before the Reds face Leeds United under-21s on Tuesday in an EFL Trophy match at the Wham Stadium.
The Reds begin their League One season at home to Peterborough United next Saturday in a 3.00pm kick off – where Sangare could potentially make his league debut for the Reds.
Midfielder Sangare is a familiar face at the Wham Stadium – he moved to England from Liberia when he was 14 years old and was a member of the club’s development squad, but issues regarding a work permit meant he was unable to sign for the club.
After trials at various clubs, Sangare joined the Magpies in 2016 before being promoted to their first team last year.
After completing his return to the Reds, Sangare says he is happy to be back at the club he made his home after moving from Liberia as a teenager.
“It’s good to be back. I spent around eight months here when I first came over from Liberia,” said Sangare, speaking to the club’s official website.
“I was here when I was a kid and went through the programme. I was at Liberia until I was 14, I came over and I couldn’t speak a lot of English so everything was quite new,” added Sangare.
“Going to school helped me and going to Accrington and Rossendale College helped me. From there I went on my little journey. I am still learning English – my mum is helping me!
Sangare added: “I enjoyed my time at Accrington and a few of the staff and players are still here so it’s nice to be familiar with them, it’s good to be in the mix again.”
Speaking about what fans can expect from him this season, Sangare described himself as ‘aggressive and powerful’ – attributes that will no doubt come in handy during a long and demanding League One season.
Sangare said: “On the field, I would describe myself as aggressive and powerful, I like to get forward but I also help out defensively depending on the situation.
think the football will suit me here, physically I am sure I will cope and now getting used to the lads is key and try and get myself in the team.
“It’s exciting to come here. When I heard Accrington was interested, I said I had been there so I knew a few of the lads. Football-wise it will suit me. Physically I am sure I can cope. I need to get used to the lads and that’s key and get myself in the team.
“Tom Allan is also here on loan from Newcastle and I heard some great stuff about the club from people like Dan Barlaser when he was here so I am excited.”
Sangare made his international debut for Liberia in March 2019, coming on as a secondhalf substitute against DR
Congo in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier – he now has five caps to his name, scoring one goal in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone.
Sangare added: “I have been away with Liberia, I got called up last year and I went back and it was good to go back and see people.
“Since being a kid I have always wanted to play for my country, I was so excited to be called up. It was good to be in the international environment and it was a proud moment to make my debut.”
Speaking about the club’s latest addition, manager Coleman said he expects Sangare to be a ‘big asset’ for the Reds.
Speaking to Stanley’s official website, Coleman said: “He is a young lad, we know him, he was here as a kid but we couldn’t get a work permit for him at that time.
“He went to Ireland and made his way to Newcastle and he is a strong presence in midfield and it’s an area we needed to strengthen. Once he gets himself fully fit, he will be a big asset.”
Meanwhile, the Reds finished their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory over Salford City last Saturday.
The tie took place behind closed doors at the Peninsula Stadium, and the match was settled by Ryan Cassidy’s second half penalty after he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and rifled his effort into the top left corner.