Mani Ashraf Signs for the Gers

Twenty year old striker Mani Ashraf has become the latest permanent signing for Thomas Scobbie and Berwick Rangers, after featuring as a trialist in recent fixtures.

Ashraf joins after most recently playing for Penicuik Athletic in the East of Scotland Premier Division. While at Penicuik, Mani progressed to the first team following an impressive debut season in the under 20s set up, in which he scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists in just 24 appearances. Prior to his time at Penicuik, Ashraf played for Ormiston Primrose and Edinburgh South.

Berwick fans will have seen Ashraf feature off the bench a number of times already, named as a trialist in preseason and in the opening four Lowland League games. With trialists only able to feature in five league games, and not at all in the SPFL Trust Trophy, the permanent addition of Mani to the squad gives Berwick greater strength in depth in attacking areas – and provides another dangerous forward threat in a black and gold shirt.

‘Gers manager Scobbie said he was really pleased to get this deal done, adding, ‘Mani is a young player who has bags of energy and a real willingness to learn. He has been working with us throughout preseason and we can see a development in him already. He’s a great kid who wants to improve and has loved being involved with the lads.’

Mani Ashraf will carry on as part of the squad as we prepare for a busy week, with an away trip to Dumbarton on Tuesday night in the SPFL Trust Trophy and a league fixture at Ainslie Park against Heart of Midlothian B on Friday night.