First millenium born player makes Premier debut
Despite falling 4-0 to Champions Lincoln Red Imps in their latest Premier Division encounter, Lynx did have something to smile about after the game after young Tyronne Avellano made his debut for the club. Avellano replaced the experienced Gibraltar International midfielder Robert Guiling with 13 minutes remaining of the game.
Of particular note is the player’s date of birth. Born 1st May 2000, Avellano becomes the first player to be born in the millennium year 2000 to make an appearance in Gibraltar’s top flight. The youngster was unaware of the milestone he had set when coming on as a substitute. “Wow, I didn’t know, that’s fantastic” exclaimed an excited Avellano. Making your senior debut is always an exciting and proud moment for any young player. Avellano was no different. “It was an honour to play for Lynx, even though we lost 4-0, it was a great experience. It was a nerve-racking moment coming on to replace Robert. He is a Gibraltar legend. The manager believes in me so I gave it my all to give him a reason to continue to believe in my ability”
With this milestone out of the way, Avellano, a leveled headed individual, as kept his sights well and truly ground, wanting to focus on his development as a player. “This year, I want to carry on and try to improve and hopefully I will be selected to play in the Premier Division again.” Avellano however aspires to represent his country. In this modern-day of UEFA football in Gibraltar, youngsters have a fantastic portal to showcase their abilities at a higher level than the previous generation. “Hopefully I can get selected for the Gibraltar U15 squad. This is one of my goals.”
Tyronne’s father, Tyronne Avellano Snr was duly proud of his son’s achievements. A former player himself, making his debut at the age of 17 for the Combined Services when he was in the T.A. He went on to taste Rock Cup glory twice with Gibraltar United aswell as playing for Lynx and Lions Gibraltar.
(image right: Gibraltar United victorious in 2001, beating Glacis 4-1 in the final; bottom row, 2nd from the right, sat down)
“It was a very proud moment for me, especially with the extremely high level there is in Gibraltar football today. It was a big move for him to move from his previous club. He was given the opportunity to train with the Lynx reserve team and must have impressed the Lynx coaching staff with his attitude and ability. If he carries on with the same level of dedication he has been placing since the beginning of the season, he can only get better. It’s a proud moment for a parent, especially for his mum who is always there to take him to sessions, he never misses a game. A tear or two were shed when he came onto the pitch [versus Lincoln]”
As every father tries to give his son the best of advice during their development, Avellano snr also had some words of wisdom for his son. “Enjoy every minute of it and make the most out of the opportunities given in both reserves and premier. Listen carefully to the advice given by coaches and senior players if he wants to achieve his immediate goal of making it into the Gibraltar Youth selections.”
The man who gave young Avellano his debut in Premier was Lynx manager Albert Parody. He too was complimentary of the player’s abilities. “As a manager, I believe in young players. I gave the opportunity to Tyronne against Lincoln and he did very well. This will give him hunger and confidence to continue to aspire for the first team. Yesterday he played for the reserves against Lions, in a league which is very competitive as it features many first team players. Another of our youngsters, Robert Rae was also in the match day squad against Lincoln, but unfortunately he did not play. Also just last season, we had Jaydan Parody becoming the youngster goal scorer in Premier Division. All proud achievements for our club.”
Despite dwindling numbers of locals plying their trade in Gibraltar’s top flight, stories like these makes football fans sit up and take note about the little things that have huge impact in the lives of young players. Opportunities like this can help shape the future of Gibraltar’s future senior players, with the hope, it continues more prominently in the future.
Best of luck to Tyronne Avellano as he begins his early steps into senior football.
Photo Credit to Lynx fc and their photographer Jose Antonio
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