Bruno Andrade

In search of that extra spark during the initial phases of the 2021-2 campaign, Boro’ turned once again to attacker Bruno Andrade. Of course, it’s not as if things were going badly at the time for us. It’s more the fact that the pacy Portuguese lad would bring a new dimension to our forward play; Andrade capable of playing out wide and in the number 10 role. Not only that, but he’s a player who knows what it takes to win promotion from League Two.

On signing, Andrade said: “It is good to be back. I have been here before, now I am back to finish the job”. Been here before? That he had. It was actually the start of his third stint with Boro’. He first arrived on loan at the start of October 2013 from QPR on loan. And he returned in 2015 for a second stab at things. In all, he came back in August 2021 with 35 Boro’ outings to his name. Most, however, were off the subs bench at an earlier stage of his career. This time around, you can be sure there were grander plans afoot for his talent.

Bruno Andrade: Before Boro’

Born in Portugal, Andrade made the move to QPR at a relatively young age; 13-years-old being the age at which he entered the West London club’s academy system. That system would see him adapt to play in a number of other positions alongside his favoured role on the wing. It was much to the delight of then-boss Neil Warnock. His QPR debut came against Preston North End in November 2010, and his Premier League debut in August 2011.

There were also loan spells at Aldershot Town and Wycombe Wanderers to provide yet further Football League experience. It was with Lincoln City where he really came of age, however; part of the Imps side that won the 2018-9 League Two title. From Sincil Bank, he moved to Salford City in January 2020. Oh, he also spent some time at Woking. But why would we remind him of that. No-one likes to go to Woking if they can avoid it.