Danny Cowley is delighted to be able to get his hands on one of his "first choice players" as Bruno Andrade put pen to paper on a two-year deal on Thursday.
Andrade arrived at Sincil Bank after playing a key role in Boreham Wood reaching the National League play-off final, and also being selected in the National League Team of the Year.
The Imps boss couldn't hide his joy in bringing the former QPR forward to the club.
"It's a brilliant signing, it's one we've been trying to do for quite some time. We were looking to bring attacking players in during the last few transfer windows, but haven't quite been able to get everything we wanted," Cowley admitted.
"So what we didn't want to do in January, is clog up our opportunity to get our first choice players in this (summer) window and Bruno was definitely that."
The Portugese attacker has been a key figure at The Wood over the last couple of seasons, as he's hit double figures consecutively, including 22 in the 2017/18 season.
"He wasn't available in January because he was a big part of what Boreham Wood were trying to do in the successful season they were having," Cowley added.
"The fact we're able to take a very good young player, having scored 22 goals for Boreham Wood last season, and being a big part in their outstanding season is brilliant news for the club. We're really looking forward to working with him, he's a really special young man."
Danny was also quick to express Andrade's threat in the attacking third, not only through his goalscoring prowess, but also his creativity.
"He's got pace to burn, has a really good end product and not only scores goals, but will make that at least in assists too. So, as I say he's not just a goal scorer, he creates them too," Cowley said.
"He can play down the middle, off a target man and also wide in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, or even in a number 10 role, so gives us great versatility. He's very good in one-v-one situations and brilliant at beating his man."
Following the Imps' play-off finish in the first season back in the EFL, Cowley was quick to point out that his first summer signing's character and attitude fits perfectly with their model.
"I think we're aligned as people and our values, but we're aligned with our ambition," he said.
"Bruno started at QPR and had to step down to step back up and I really admire people who do that. You have to have a huge amount of resilience to do that successfully, and he's been able to do that."
Andrade will wear the number 11 shirt for the Imps in the 2018/19 season.
Want to get your hands on a signed Bruno Andrade shirt? Find out more HERE.
