Moshe Hasid has sent shockwaves through the MJSL by leaving Republic of Mancunia to sign for Sporting JLGB.
The 40-year-old striker, who signed off by scoring Republic’s winner in the victory over Crumpsall last week, has put pen to paper on a deal with Gavin Sharpe’s side.
Hasid, who has played for a whole host of clubs during a distinguished 23-year career, has been a long-term target for Sporting and trained with them over the summer.
And the four-time MJSL golden boot winner says he can’t wait to get started after joining up with his new side.
“I’m really excited to have joined Sporting and I’m really looking forward to playing for them this season,” said Hasid.
“I had a great time at Republic but I just felt it was time for a change as I just haven’t got the same vibe at the club since the summer.
“I was going to sign for Sporting during the summer but Anthony Bloch persuaded me to stay at Republic.
“Obviously, he’s no longer in charge and things have changed a bit so I decided to move to Sporting.
“But I had a great time at Republic and it’s just a case of me wanting to play with my friends and at my age, you never know when you’re going to have your final season.”
Sporting boss Sharpe is delighted with his latest capture and reckons the experienced striker will give his side an extra edge to their attack.
“It’s a great signing for the club,” said Sharpe.
“Moshe doesn’t just bring goals with him he also brings experience which I feel will help some of the lads mature into better players.
“The man is a legend in the MJSL and I am proud and obviously excited that he has signed and what he will contribute to Sporting.”
Meanwhile, Republic midfielder Jamie Lyons says Hasid’s time at Republic will not be forgotten and was quick to heap praise on his former teammate
“Moshe had always intimated that he wanted to play for Sporting if the chance came up because he’s friendly with a lot of the lads there,” explained Lyons.
“He’s played for most teams in the MJSL and we were never going to stand in the way and it all went very amicably.
“We’ve been discussing it for the past few weeks with the club’s board and in the end we came to an agreement.
“He’s obviously coming towards the end of his career and time is running out for him to play with his friends.
“Moshe has been a fantastic player for us and we wish him well at Sporting.”
Hasid is the latest big name to quit the club following the departures of Mike Gastwirth, Darren Loofe and Oli Basger.
And despite Republic’s first team enduring a disappointing start to the season, Lyons is adamant Stuart Shapiro’s men will come good in the near future.
“We’ve had a lot of comings and goings over the summer and we’ve brought in a lot of young players with a lot of exuberance,” he added.
“We felt we were missing that at the end of last season where we began to fade a bit.
“Hopefully once we’ve had a few training sessions all together we’ll get that famous Republic spirit back and we’ll be able to get back to form.”
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