City new-boy Reece is over the ‘Blue Moon’

9:47am Wednesday 9th April 2008

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REECE Wabara is hoping to become the next name on Manchester City's illustrious academy wall, after signing a professional scholarship with the Premiership club.

The 16-year-old from Stoke Heath penned a three-year deal with the Eastlands side on the pitch before their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

The academy wall at City's Platt Lane youth development complex bares the names of all of the graduates of the club's youth academy who have gone on to represent the first team.

And Wabara will be looking to follow the path taken by the likes of Sean Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards.

The South Bromsgrove High School pupil comes from a tremendous sporting background.

Former Livepool winger Mark Walters and British heavyweight boxing prospect Pele Reid are half brothers of his father Martin, while Reece's grandfather Lawrence Wabara played international football for Nigeria in the 1950s.

Martin described seeing his son unveiled before 42,500 people at the City of Manchester Stadium as "a touching moment".

He said: "It was a very delightful day and I was really proud of him.

"It was quite a touching moment, especially in front of all of the Man City and Chelsea fans."

Wabara, who is captain of City's under-16s side, recently made his debut for the club's reserve team.

He joined the City academy just over two years ago, having previously been part of Walsall FC's school of excellence.

As a junior he has represented local sides including Rubery's Royal Eagles in the Central Warwickshire Football League.

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