Bristol City boss Steve Coppell signs winger Albert Adomah from Barnet
NEW Bristol City winger Albert Adomah has revealed that he chose to join the Robins because of Steve Coppell.
Adomah attracted interest from Blackpool and Norwich but he opted to become the manager's first signing at Ashton Gate after rejecting a new contract at League Two Barnet.
-
Bristol City manager Steve Coppell with new signing Albert Adomah
The 22-year-old Londoner has signed a three-year deal. The two clubs have not yet agreed a fee, so a tribunal may be needed to finalise the figure.
The ambitious Adomah now hopes to learn at the feet of Coppell, a former winger for Manchester United and England.
He said: "I heard he was a winger and I saw a bit of his skills on the wing. I have to look up to him and listen to him and learn.
"I can play left, right or down the middle. I prefer the right but the gaffer told me: 'Don't just think you are a right winger. Express yourself.'"
City have been trying to complete a deal for the forward for some time.
Adomah was able to join his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training yesterday.
"I am glad it is sorted because it has taken a long time but finally I am here," he said.
"It's another big step for me. I started from the bottom tier and now I am up to the second tier and it is a privilege. I take every step as it comes and this is the biggest step and I have to perform.
"I am excited. It is a three-year contract and if I do well, you never know where it can take me."
Adomah began his career with Ryman League Premier Division club Harrow Borough before he joined Barnet in January 2008.
He scored on his league debut at Hereford, and got 19 goals in 112 games for the Bees. He was also sponsored by football commentator John Motson.
Of the signing, Coppell said: "It's a start. Hopefully we will be able to bring more players in this summer.
"It's nice to have a young player who is hungry and wants to achieve something in the game.
"He is a comfortable player running with the ball and he has got pace. Hopefully, he can develop as a player here."
Coppell appears likely to target left-sided players among his next signings after describing the squad as "vulnerable" in that area.
Meanwhile, Coppell has confirmed that coach Dave Lee will become one of the club's scouts after Pete Johnson left the club to link up with his brother, Gary, at Peterborough United.
Former Rovers midfielder Lee will also continue to coach at Ashton Gate.
And the City backroom team has been augmented by the arrival of sport scientist and fitness coach Kunle Odetoyinbo, on a temporary basis.
Coppell worked with him at Reading for two years and he hopes Odetoyinbo can "give our pre-season structure".
City's October 16 trip to Cardiff City in the Championship has been switched to a noon kick-off on police advice.
18 Comments
View all
by Simon, Briz
Saturday, July 03 2010, 3:19PM
“Longwell Gas - a gashead with a xenophobic twang! Get over it mate, this is th 21st Century and not the 1970s,,,I bet you said something similar when Viv Anderson was capped for England, for the first time. Accept it and move on. I can cope with funny banter between City and Rovers fans, but that was rude!”
by Groundhog Day, U S A
Saturday, July 03 2010, 10:37AM
“Nice to read for or five good write ups for a change over there, the rest of them are the usual Trollope's.”
by Longwell Gas, BS30
Saturday, July 03 2010, 10:08AM
“Yet another name arrives in BS3 which you cant pronounce.”
by Hannah, Knowle West
Friday, July 02 2010, 3:59PM
“Where's Lawrence today?
Isn't it time for his morning cup of tea around now?”
by Simon, Briz
Friday, July 02 2010, 3:03PM
“Agreed Fred. I think that BEP do not have their finger on the pulse. bcfc.co.uk is rated as the best website in the Football League, it seems the most reliable source of information.”
by Simon, Briz
Friday, July 02 2010, 2:59PM
“/Respect Bluebaldee, it's good to see a genuine, committed fan, who is pragmatic enough to recognise when his rival club pulls off a good signing, I would fully agree with his comments having seen him play live for Barnet, with my brother, who is another City fan.
My uncle and cousins see it the same way and they are Gasheads. Well done Steve Coppell a great piece of business.”
by Glenn, Backwell
Friday, July 02 2010, 2:32PM
“First signing in the bag, and I am pleased with this coup.
Granted the Championship is a new level for the lad, but reports suggest he has raw talent and is keen to progress up the football league ladder.
I am all for the club taking a punt with young, up and coming players rather than has-beens like Stern John, or nobodies like Patrick (the QPR striker).
I am certainly not expecting success overnight, just a better brand of attacking football for starters, and I think Albert will add a new dimension to our football.”
by Eartha Kitt, Brislington
Friday, July 02 2010, 2:27PM
“Ha ha, good one Fred. well said.”
by Fred the Red, Longwell Green
Friday, July 02 2010, 2:25PM
“Nothing like reading yesterday's news online today.
Keep on the ball BEP - you know you're in trouble when BCFC.co.uk beats you to the punch 24 hours earlier.”
by phil, Kingswood
Friday, July 02 2010, 1:22PM
“Good for you Steve Coppell, there are gems out there in lower leagues, take notice Mr.Trollop and send your scouts looking for them,Ian Holloway and Bobby Gould unearthed a few when they were at our club. Good luck to you Mr.Coppell for showing the way for clubs with no money. Hope he scores lots of goals for you.”