WATFORD midfielder Al Bangura today (Tuesday) faced the assembled world media at Vicarage Road to talk about the decision made at the Government work permit hearing in Sheffield yesterday.

Bangura was joined by Chairman Graham Simpson and Watford MP Claire Ward - both of whom have supported Al throughout the demanding campaign to keep him in this country. A work permit will be issued, after the six-strong committee decided Al's footballing credentials warranted and extended stay in the country, pending the completion of standard paperwork.  

Talking in front of the live cameras, Bangura spoke of his determination to stay strong throughout the ordeal, and the word 'strong' was one that kept on coming up as he vowed to get on with his footballing career.

Bangura said: "As far as I'm concerned I'm always feeling confident, trying to be strong. 

"Having the supporters behind me and people around the country supporting me, I just want to thank them very much.

"Thanks to the Watford fans, the English people, the media, people around the community, MP Claire Ward and the Chairman for supporting me as well."

Bangura can now move on with the next stage of his life and look forward to a new chapter, one which hopefully will bring success with the Golden Boys.

Bangura said: "I just think it's going to make a big difference in my life, it's going to let me concentrate more, let me consider the things that have been happening as well so I'm going to get myself to improve more and more.

When asked with how he coped with a demanding time in his life, Bangura said he had to remain calm.

"I'm a strong young man and I had to keep doing what I'm doing. The only reason I haven't been playing is because I'm injured.

"I make sure every day that I train properly in the gym, do my stuff, come back home, relax, just think about the next day. I just have to be strong till the end and try and concentrate on what I'm doing now."

News of the decision came from boss Aidy Boothroyd to Bangura in a phone conversation yesterday. The midfielder is working his way back to full fitness following an ankle injury and this should be just the tonic to lift Bangura as he starts to get his season properly underway. 

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