WHITBURN central defender Joe Mbu has earned himself a one-year deal with Cowdenbeath after impressing manager Danny Lennon.
The 26-year-old had been invited to join the Blue Brazil for pre-season training and has obviously done enough to be given a chance at senior level with the Second Division side.
Mbu has been a huge success at Whitburn juniors over the last th
ree seasons, winning Scotland Junior caps in the past two. On both occasions, the Scotland squad has won their tournament involving Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Mbu, whose uncle played for Cameroon in the World Cup 1998 finals in France, has been attracting the attention of other senior clubs recently, including East Fife.
The player himself felt the time was right for this move. He said: "I'm delighted to be given this chance to try myself at a higher level. I know it's a big step, but it's one I feel ready for. When I was asked to come to training I jumped at it. It's a one-year contract but if I play well enough then who knows what the future holds?
"If I didn't take this chance then I would never know. Whitburn have been a really good club for me. I feel I've come on a great deal since I signed for them. I've won Scotland caps and had a great time. We nearly won the Super League in the last two seasons and it was a big step up then when I joined them from Armadale.
"I would like to thank everyone at Whitburn who have supported me, and given me stick when required. They supported my every step and I'm grateful to Derek Strickland and the boys."
And Whitburn boss Strickland expressed his delight at the move. "Joe is going with everyone at the club's blessing. We're delighted for him. He's a credit to the club and himself. Since we signed him we've never had the least bit of bother and it couldn't happen to a nicer boy. He's been good for Whitburn and we think Whitburn have been good for him. He's another in a long line of players who have been capped for Scotland from this club and he's a great example of what can be achieved here. It gives you a boost when you see one of the players you have signed taking a step up. It feels like you're doing the right thing.
"When the other players see this happening then they too can believe they have a chance."
The full article contains 435 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
