Peterborough Sports striker with a spectacular scoring record leaves the Bee Arena, but 18 other players have committed to next season

Avelino Vieira in action for Peterborough Sports. Photo: James Richardson.

The striker leaves the Bee Arena having scored 140 goals in 230 games, including a remarkable 109 in 111 appearances when the club were competing at steps five and six.

Vieira was the first player signed by manager Jimmy Dean when the revolution from United Counties League club to the Southern League Central Premier Division started.

Vieira will continue playing and he sent a message to Sports when announcing his departure from the Bee Arena yesterday (June 30).

Paul Malone has re-signed for Peterborough Sports. Photo: James Richardson.

“I am very grateful for the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.It gave me the platford to compete against the best, break records and win trophies.

“Going shoulder to shoulder in many a battle with my teammates has been an honour.

“I thank Jimmy Dean for believing in me and for giving me the courage and guidance to contribute to the team’s success.”

Dean added: “Ave was my first signing and gave the five brilliant years. He was a top player and a top lad.

Former Posh youngster Dan Lawlor has re-signed for Peterborough Sports. Photo: James Richardson.

“It’s Ave’s decision to leave & after what he’s given me I can only give him my full support.”

Sports look strong again for the 2020-21 season as 18 of the players who helped the club to top spot before the 2019-20 season was halted early have agreed to remain at the Bee Arena.

Richard Jones, Cameron Johnson, Dan Bucciero, Paul Malone, Dan Lawlor, Jim Stevenson, Mitch Griffiths, Maniche Sani, Josh Moreman, Josh McCammon, Lewis Elson, Mark Jones, Lewis Moat, Lewis Hilliard, Jonny Herd, Dion Sembie-Ferris, Matt Sparrow, Matt Miles are the players to re-signed.

Sembie-Ferris (Colchester) and Herd (Southend) both have Football League experience while midfielder Lawlor and back-up goalkeeper Elsom were both with Posh as youngsters.

Dean’s backroom staff will also be the same. They are sssistant manager/physio: Dan Ruscillo, head coach Lewis Webb, first-team coach Stuart Wall, GK coach, Ryan Kay, assistant coach Jack Nicholls, and analyst Ammar Quadeer.

“So many players re-signing is a big statement of intent.” Dean added. “It sends a message that we are together.

“I’ve always been the same even during the only time of struggle in the last five years when we had an injury crisis. Even then I didn’t recruit for the sake of recruiting.

“I like to be loyal to players and they have now shown me plenty of loyalty.

“Dion Sembie-Ferris has even turned down offers from a couple of higher-level clubs to stay with us.”