Abdulla signs up

As Blues prepare for today’s FA Cup trip to Dunstable Town, they have added midfielder Ahmed Abdulla to their squad.

The 27-year-old will be become the first Saudi Arabian-born player to play for the club, but has lived in London since the age of eight.

He came through the Arsenal youth system before joining West Ham as a 16-year-old, signing a pro contract in 2011. In August 2011 he signed a loan deal with Swindon Town until January 2012., making his debut on 3 September 2011 in a 3–2 home win against Rotherham United. In January 2012 he joined Dagenham & Redbridge on loan, before signing a permanent deal with the Daggers in March 2012.

A two-year spell at Barnet saw Abdulla score three goals in 29 games, and since then he has played for Whitehawk, Staines, Ware, Heybridge Swifts and Concord Rangers before starting this season with Hayes & Yeading.

“Abs brings us plenty of experience in centre midfield” said joint boss Steve Smith. “He gets on the ball and will strengthen us in that area.”