International clearance comes through for Leta

Defensive midfielder Joel Bembo Leta is expected to make his EVO-STIK Northern Premier League debut for Marine on Saturday at Frickley Athletic after his international clearance came through.

The 22-year-old Congolese-born player, pictured, signed for the Mariners from Colwyn Bay who he joined at the start of the season after making more than 100 appearances for Conference North Stalybridge Celtic.

Leta, a product of the academy at Oldham Athletic, had been on the target list of the Mariners manager Carl Macauley since he took over at the Premier Division club this season.

Macauley said: "Joel has been my main target to bring to Marine since my appointment. I am really pleased that circumstances now have provided the opportunity to talk and persuade him to join Marine and help with our ambitions and his signing will provide a robust addition to our defensive options."

Marine chairman Paul Leary said: "Carl has wanted to sign Joel since being appointed as manager in the summer. Joel, a popular player at Stalybridge Celtic, has good experience at Conference North level that will assist in our drive to improve our position in the league.

"I welcome Joel to Marine and look forward to him helping us to improve through to the end of the current season."

The Mariners also announced on Friday that striker Andy Fowler's contract had been terminated by mutual consent following a breach of the club's code of conduct.

Leading scorer Fowler, with eight goals so far this season, agreed to his departure following a meeting with Leary and Macauley.

Leary said: "The situation with Andy Fowler is regrettable but due to a breach of club discipline we had no alternative but to agree with him to part company."

Macauley added: "I am saddened that Andy has left Marine but his situation left me and the club no other choice but to talk with him and agree to his departure. The breach of discipline is a club internal matter and will not be disclosed."

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