Akinbiyi joins the clarets!

By Turftalker
February 24 2005

Burnley FC have today announced the signing of Ade Akinbiyi from Stoke City for £600,000. The 30 year old is available to play against Preston on Saturday.

He has signed a 3 and a half year contract and will wear the number 20 shirt.

Steve Cotterill was obviously delighted and told the official club website:

"He's an infectious character, a leader and has had some very big money moves throughout his career that now tops £12 million plus.

He's very charismatic and has time for everyone, is a very popular lad, very fit and hard working and he'll fit into the dressing room very well."

Akinbiyi himself was pleased to finally sort his future out, after talking to Sheffield United he decided on Turf Moor:

"Turf Moor has been a lucky ground for me, so hopefully it can continue.

The first thing I need to do though is settle in with the squad and I hope to do that soon.

After speaking to Steve Cotterill, he seemed like a man with ambition and thriving to achieve something, so it did convince me and then I spoke to Frank Sinclair and Dave Kevan and that made my mind up."

While Stoke City, Director of Football John Rudge was disappointed to lose the talisman:

"We are obviously disappointed to lose Ade but everybody has a price. The Board of Directors put that price on his head and two clubs met it.

Ade has been a crowd favourite here and done exceptionally well for us. He signed for us after a lull in his career at Leicester and Crystal Palace but got back to his best here and we wish him all the best for the future."