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Exciting times await for promising local footballers

Former Audenshaw School pupil Ellis Allen has agreed terms with Fourth-tier Cypriot side APEA Akrotiri.

The 18-year-old, from Droylsden, was recently released by Oldham Athletic after spending a two-year scholarship with the Boundary Park outfit, where he played in the FA Youth Cup and made 11 appearances on the first team bench; eight times in League Two, twice in the Checkatrade Trophy against Accrington Stanley and Liverpool, and once in the Lancashire Senior Cup.

During his time with the Latics, Ellis played alongside former Premier league players including David Wheater and Chris Eagles.

Upon signing for the club, Ellis said: “It has been an easy decision but a very hard one deep down.

“It has been decided by not just me, but family as well. I’m still young and it’s two years of my life which could be very valuable to me and my career in professional football.

“Thank you to everyone for helping me during my time in England.”

Ellis, who began playing football as a child with Medlock Rangers,  also featured for Curzon Ashton and Bolton Wanderers as a junior.

In other football news, former West Hill pupil Lewis Thompson has signed a one-year contract extension with Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old, who has been a regular for Rovers Under-23s this season, now hopes to cement his place in the senior set-up over the coming years.

Thompson also spent time on-loan with National League outfit AFC Fylde earlier in the season.

On signing a new deal with the Ewood Park outfit, Thompson said: “It’s a very proud moment again.

 “Every time I get a new contract, I feel very proud and satisfied, especially at such a great club like this.

“I really enjoy playing here, I enjoy coming in every day and I love the lads and the coaches, so I’m very proud, but equally I’m very grateful given the current circumstances.

“Whilst I’ve always had confidence in my own ability, one thing I have learnt is that nothing’s a sure thing, so I’m very grateful that the club has put this trust in me, especially at such a difficult time financially for football clubs, and I’m hoping that I can repay that back by trying to progress on the pitch and help the football club as best I can.”

Main Picture by Eddie Garvey (Ellis Allen in action for Oldham)

Picture of Lewis Thompson taken from Lewis' Twitter account.

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