Watford's Bangura wins UK stay
Al Bangura in action for Watford against Manchester United
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Monday, 14, Jan 2008 11:08
Watford midfielder Al Bangura has been given leave to stay in Britain after a successful appeal against a deportation order.
Bangura, who fled Sierra Leone at 15 after being put under pressure to follow his father in leading a voodoo cult, has been awarded a work permit by a six-strong government panel reviewing his case.
The 19-year-old has made 53 appearances for the Hornets including 16 during their ill-fated battle for Premier league survival last season.
As well as establishing himself on the field at the Championship side, Bangura has also started a family since arriving in the UK having recently had a one-month-old son with his fiancée.
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd lead a host of senior staff from the club in giving evidence and references to a hearing in Sheffield.
"As a club we are very happy with the news, but most of all we are delighted for Al and his family," chairman Graham Simpson told the club's official site upon the announcement of the verdict.
"We always knew we had a strong case and despite our setbacks we knew we had to fight for what we believed to be right for this young man. Al will now continue to contribute to our society, which I know he feels a debt of gratitude towards."
Watford are currently well-positioned for an immediate return to the top flight, lying third in the Championship, while Bangura is recovering from a series of injuries that have so far kept him side-lined all season.