Avro manager Alex Frost and chairman Robert Fuller feel the sky is the limit for young winger Michael Afuye, who signed a professional contract with National League side Rochdale last week after a successful trial period with the club.

Afuye did not make his semi-professional debut until the start of the 2021/22 campaign, but after a promising first season, he really came into his own last year, finishing as top scorer with 13 goals. After impressing in pre-season friendlies against Chorley and Tranmere, Dale decided to offer him the chance to take his first steps in the professional arena.

“We are all delighted that Michael has been given the opportunity to be a professional footballer,’”said Frost. “We are also incredibly proud of him, and we cannot wait to see what full-time training will bring to his development.

“For me, one of the key markers of a successful football club is when your players attract attention from clubs at a higher level, and so it is obviously really satisfying for our coaching staff that Michael has attracted more than just a passing interest from a club of Rochdale’s calibre.

“However, on a personal level, no one deserves it more than him - he has a very level-headed attitude, there is absolutely no arrogance about him, and his work ethic is impeccable. His timekeeping is horrific - but he more than makes up for that with his desire and dedication, and he has therefore been an absolute pleasure to work with over the last 18 months.

Fuller was similarly unequivocal in his praise and added: “’This is an incredibly proud day for our club in that Michael is the first Avro player ever to sign a professional contract.

“And I can honestly say that it could not have happened to a nicer lad - the way that he conducts himself both on and off the pitch is absolutely exemplary.

“We are so happy for him and we really hope this is just the first step in his professional career, as we believe that he has the potential to go even higher in due course.”

Afuye has already made his first start for Dale since signing on the dotted line, playing 79 minutes against Walsall in a game dedicated to the memory of Wayne Evans, who represented both clubs before sadly passing away earlier this year aged just 51.