Ade chooses Burnley

Last updated : 25 February 2005 By Rob Stanway

Steve Cotterill is delighted to have poached the striker who joins Burnley on a 3 and a half year deal. He said: "We are delighted to have Ade on board, we think he is going to be a terrific signing for the club.

"We want to carry on working with him and improving his game and he’s up for that. He’s looking forward to a new challenge and we are excited to have got him."

Meanwhile in the Blades camp, manager Neil Warnock was far from happy with Ade's choice of Burnley. He said: "It is a major blow for me, Akinbiyi knows he has been my number one target. We have spent a lot of time and effort in trying to persuade him to sign for us.

"It’s very disappointing and I cannot see why a player would want to choose Burnley over us. We have one or two other targets and we will have to pursue them."

John Rudge, City's Director of Football expressed the disapointment of the Stoke City fans when he commented: "Both clubs had offers accepted by us and it was down to Ade to make his choice. He has agreed terms with Burnley after speaking to Sheffield United.

He added: "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."

Ade will wear the number 20 at Burnley, but is cup tied with Stoke which means he will miss their game against Blackburn in the FA Cup.

Stoke City MAD wish Ade all the best with Burnley and take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work that earnt him the deserved 'fans favourite' status at Stoke City.

Click Here for Ade's Player Profile