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Angolan
ace for Terras
by Paul Baker
Friday 17th December 2004
WEYMOUTH have gone continental by swooping to sign an Angolan
international.
Bernado Cariata has penned a deal until the end of the season
at the Wessex Stadium and could make his debut when the Terras
host struggling Margate in Conference South tomorrow (3pm).
Head coach Steve Johnson today revealed Weymouth beat off four
other clubs including Coca-Cola Championship side Queen's Park
Rangers to land the 27-year-old former Porto and Sporting Lisbon
midfielder.
He told Echosport: "Bernado trained with us last night
and, from what I've been told and seen, he could end up being
a big signing for us.
"Bernado has spent a lot of his time playing in Portugal
in recent times but has been over in England for a few months
now trying to make it over here.
"He was originally earmarked to join Milton Keynes Dons
but at that time he couldn't get a work permit because he had
not played in the required number of international games for
Angola.
"That problem has since been sorted and it was my younger
brother Peter, who is a scout at Woking, but recommended him
to us.
"We've got him over four other clubs including Queen's
Park Rangers and Basingstoke which shows he has a good calibre.
"We're hoping to get international clearance in time for
Bernado to play tomorrow but we'll have to wait and see.
"If it goes through, he'll definitely play if not it is
likely Bernado will make his debut against Dorchester on Boxing
Day.
"He's a tough-tackling midfielder destroyer which is exactly
what we need and he's signed a deal until the end of the season
which means him living in the area."
The deal caps another busy few days for Johnson in which another
two of his squad have departed.
Out of favour midfielder Lee Charles has been released, while
former Hornchurch Steve Clarke has left after just one game
with the club.
"Lee and his agent came to me and said he was not happy
with his situation at the club so we decided to part ways,"
he said.
"It's no secret that Lee was not in my long-term plans
so releasing him was the best solution for all concerned.
It's a shame in a way because Lee's a great lad and I wish him
all the best.
"Steve Clarke is another one who has gone, but his position
was a bit different.
He played for us up at Bishop's Stortford last Saturday but
from talking to the lad I could tell he was not fully committed
long-term to the club.
"That is not what I wanted so I took the decision to part
ways with Steve now rather than later."
Johnson joked: "At the moment I think the lads are not
making eye contact with me because they fear they will be next
out of the 'door.
"But in all seriousness, I'm hoping things will settle
down soon and we can move on with a settled squad."
The head coach has mixed news on the injury front ahead of the
visit of the Kent strugglers tomorrow.
Winger Adam Wilde is ruled out with a groin strain, although
crocked pair Steve Tully and Lee Phillips are both back.
"It's a real blow losing Adam because he has been on fire
recently," he said.
"We're not quite sure yet how long he'll be out for but
I'm hoping it is not too long.
"But on the plus side, it is great to have Steve and Lee
available again because they are good players."
Wilde's injury means youngster Danny Byrne may move out to cover
Wilde's usual left flank duties.
"Danny played there when he was at Manchester United and
that's certainly an option to me," said Johnson.
"But whoever plays and where, it is vital we get a win
tomorrow to keep up a good run and our charge towards the play-offs."
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