Bristol City Signing Eyes The Big Time

Championship club Bristol City yesterday confirmed the capture of John Akinde from Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United. The 19-year-old forward signed for a fee of £140,000 and after making the jump from non-league football to England’s second tier, he has already revealed his desire to become a Premier League star.

Speaking to a local daily, Akinde said: “Playing in the Premiership is my ultimate dream. That's where everyone wants to be and it's why I came into the game in the first place.”

If the striker can continue to make the same progress he has already achieved since taking up football as a 13-year-old, the Premier League might not be too far away. Having already appeared at Wembley, there is no prizes for guessing which stadium at which the Arsenal fan would love to play.

“I've already played at Wembley (for Ebbsfleet in last season's FA Trophy final) and I'd love to play at the Emirates.”

Akinde found the back of the net 10 times in 19 games last season, but is well aware that the step up to the Championship will not be an easy one.

“I came to football late and didn't join a club until my family moved to Gravesend. But things have moved very quickly for me since then. Now I'm with Bristol City and looking forward to playing in the Championship. I'm very excited by that.”

“I'm prepared to work really hard and learn from the other players here. But I'm also here to play first-team football and, hopefully, I can force my way in this season.”

Having signed a three-year deal with the Robins, Akinde made his first appearance in a 4-2 reserve victory over Southampton yesterday evening. Although he failed to get his name on the score sheet, Akinde did come through the final 35 minutes of the match.

Ricky Brooks