MANAGER Paul Smith confirmed he would accept midfielder Ahmed Ali back to Bromsgrove Sporting ‘like a shot’ once the Somalian international was released from prison.
Ali was one of five men who were found guilty of conspiring to defraud at York Crown Court in August last year.
The law graduate and interpreter had initially denied the charge but was convicted by jury and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
He was also ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.
A potential Ali return to the Rouslers was brought up at Sporting’s supporters’ forum on Monday night.
And Smith revealed he would welcome Ali back with open arms.
“Ahmed is a quality footballer and one of the best midfielders we have ever had at the club,” said Smith, speaking to the Standard yesterday (Wednesday).
“He is eager to play for me and the club again and he would be a huge signing for us going into a crucial part of the season.
“All being well he will be back in training on January 27.”
Smith believed Ali got caught up in the ‘wrong crowd’ at the ‘wrong time’ and said it was important to help the midfielder back into football, both on and off the field.
“He has served his time and I believe Ahmed is not a bad lad,” he added.
Chairman Mike Burke confirmed at the forum he and the board backed Smith’s decision to bring Ali back to Sporting.
