GIO Bellagambi has looked back with fondness on his short loan spell at Hyde United.
The goalkeeper, recalled by Huddersfield Town from his three-month loan and subsequently sent to National League North side Spennymoor United, made 12 appearances for the Tigers.
And it was while with Hyde that Bellagambi won his first full cap for Uganda against Libya in a Tri-Nations Tournament which also involved Tanzania.
Bellagambi, who had a loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic last season, posted a message to Hyde fans on social media, saying: “Thanks you Hyde United for the opportunity to play for your club.
“Fans were amazing with me from the first day, and I won’t forget it. Thank you for your help throughout this short but sweet journey. All the best for the rest of the season.”
Bellagambi, a hugely popular player at Hyde, was named man of the match on his debut for Spennymoor.
He saved a penalty and made a string of fine saves but could not prevent the North East side losing 1-0 at home to Buxton.
The Tigers joined a growing list of non-league clubs where Bellagambi has spent loan spells – Stalybridge Celtic, Brighouse, Ramsbottom United and Ebbsfleet.
Bellagambi, born in London to an Italian father and Uganda mother, qualifies to play for three countries who have all by vying for him.
He has already received an Italy U19 call-up, featured in an England camp for up-and-coming goalkeepers and named in the full Uganda squad for AFCON qualifiers against Algeria and Niger before making his full international debut against Libya.
Bellagambi was raised in Croydon and played junior football for Lambeth Tigers and Whyteleafe.
He was several trials at professional clubs in and around London before being signed by Huddersfield aged 16.
Bellagambi’s departure meant a temporary recall for Craig Ellison who had been playing for Widnes on dual forms.
But Spooner landed a permanent replacement goalkeeper in time for the Emirates FA Cup, fourth qualifying round tie at Buxton.
The Tigers signed Dan Atherton, 22, who started the season at Welsh side TNS. He was part of the Warrington Town side which reached the Northern Premier League, premier division play-off final losing out to Scarborough.
Hyde have loaned young goalkeeper James Chew to North West Counties League side New Mills to get more experience of men’s football.
Chew kept a clean sheet on his debut in a goalless draw for the Millers at Wythenshawe Amateurs in the Edward Case Cup.
He also saved a penalty in the subsequent shootout, but the Millers were knocked out 5-4.
- Hyde have signed midfielder Sonny Whittingham on loan from Huddersfield Town. The 18-year-old, who plays in midfield and is currently part of the Terriers’ B team, has had a previous spell at Bury AFC.
Whittingham replaces loan player Tayt Trust has been recalled by Blackpool where he has been on the bench for first team matches.
And the Tigers have also captured left back Josh Askew from FC United. He has also played at a higher level for Salford City and Chester FC.
Ryan White has left and signed for NPL, west division Trafford as it is an opportunity to get more game time.
Spooner added the door is open for White to return in the future.