Bradford Dragons beat deadline to sign Manana (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Dragons beat deadline to sign Manana

5:50pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Other By Sports Desk

Bradford Dragons has beaten this week's transfer deadline to sign shooting guard Angel Manana, from Valencia in Spain .

Following the departure of guard Raimonds Pabrieza back to Latvia, Dragons stepped up their search for a replacement to strengthen the first-team squad ahead of the crucial local derby at home to Leeds Carnegie tonight.

Manana, 26, played for Tabernes Blanques in the Spanish National League Division One until last week but was given permission by his Spanish club to make the last-minute transfer to Dragons.

Dragons' chairman Stuart Culliford said: "We have been tracking Angel for some time now since he came over last summer to work out with the team.

"We liked what we saw but we were unable to sort out a deal to get him to join us. However, the loss of key players moving away for work and then some long- term injuries made us decide to get Angel before the transfer deadline this season, and he will go straight into the team for tonight's derby."

The English Basketball League Division One match tips-off at 6.15pm at the Trinity Green sports hall, Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE.

Admission is £5 for adults, £2.50 for under-16s, concessions and students, while family tickets [adults + two children] are £10. Admission is free for Dragons' club members and the match will be sponsored by Napoleons Casino.

Dragons are also grateful for the support of the Westleigh Hotel.