Following on from former West hero Nic Evangelinos firing his new side Ashton United to playoff success (and a place in the Conference North next season), there's more news of a Brookburn Road favourite moving up the pyramid. Having made a series of appearances for their reserve team last season, forward Carlos Mendes Gomes yesterday signed for Morecambe FC on a one-year deal.

An exciting attacking prospect, Mendes Gomes often dazzled the crowds in Chorlton, having played for Athletico Madrid as a youth before moving to Manchester. Providing pace and incision against tough defenders, Carlos also had a keen eye for goal - all of which helped towards our record points total and highest ever finish last season. His performances led to him winning Young Player of the Season and Under 18s Player of the Season in 2016/17. His final appearance in a West shirt came as a substitute in our 2-1 away victory at Abbey Hey in February 2018.

In their announcement (which can be read in full here), Morecambe said:

MORECAMBE have completed their first business of the close season with two youngsters signing one year deals.

Jim Bentley has signed 20-year-old Lamin Jagne and 19-year-old Carlos Mendes Gomes after the pair impressed in the Reserves on trial in recent weeks.

The duo, who have come through the Development Centre based at The Manchester College run by Darren Finch and Bill Prendergast, have played as trialists in Stewart Drummond’s reserve team games throughout 2018 and have impressed both Drummond and Bentley.

Bill Prendergast said: “I haven’t seen anything like Carlos Mendes in all my years of developing players. He does things differently.

“He plays in a way that opens up defences and has an eye for goal.”

He added: “Lamin’s been in the professional game previously and came to me a few years ago. He’s physically able and can definitely compete technically.”

Lamin Jagne said: “I’m really pleased to sign. I’d like to thank everyone who helped me throughout this journey and thanks to the Manager, Jim Bentley, for putting his trust in me.”

Carlos Mendes Gomes added: “I’m looking forward to the new season and I hope it brings blessings and I achieve my targets for the club.”

Speaking on Twitter, west manager Steve Settle said:

Congratulations mate! Hard work starts now!!! We need a shirt with your squad number and signed for the clubhouse ?

— steve settle (@setts7) May 9, 2018

Everyone at the club would like to thank Carlos for his time at his club and would like to wish him all the best - we look forward to cheering his progression over the course of the next few seasons. Watch his incredible effort against Congleton Town last season again below:

? Has Carlos Mendes Gomes wrapped up Goal of the Month already? Here's his last minute effort from yesterday - what do you think? pic.twitter.com/WDs6UZMUCX

— West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC (@WD_CFC) April 18, 2017