Gael Joins City Former Players Association

Last updated : 12 February 2013 By CCFPA

The Coventry City Former Players Association is very pleased to announce that former Sky Blue starlet Gael Bigirimana has recently joined CCFPA. Gael was spotted back at the Ricoh for the Sky Blues’ first leg JPT regional final tie against Crewe Alexandra and was promptly signed up by CCFPA Membership Secretary Mike Young.

He therefore joins, as the youngest such recruit, the small but growing band of CCFPA members like Michael Doyle, Chris Kirkland, Keiren Westwood and Marlon King who have joined the Former Players Association whilst still currently playing at the senior level of English football for other league clubs.

Burundi born and coming to the UK as a refugee in 2004 Gael got himself a trial with the Sky Blues and progressed through the Academy to earn a professional contract in 2011, debuting in the Championship against local foes Leicester City that August. He eventually totted up 26 League appearances (inc. substitutions) for the Sky Blues in 2011-12 before the Premier league in the form of Newcastle United came knocking. ‘Bigi’ joined the Tynesiders in July 2012 reportedly netting the Sky Blues at least £500k. This season (2012-13) he has already featured over a dozen times in the Premiership (scoring once last December) and also in the Europa League.

Gael enjoyed being reunited in the Legends Lounge with his former Academy boss Gregor Rioch and other former playing colleagues and clearly had a great time back at the Club watching the Sky Blues produce an exciting performance on the Ricoh pitch where Gael learnt his trade. Apart from the eventual disappointing result (which in no way reflected the balance of the game) Gael greatly valued meeting up with old friends and is keen to return when playing commitments allow.

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