Ade says his goodbyes

Last updated : 02 April 2009 By Tony Scholes
Ade Akinbiyi
He's been a very popular figure around Turf Moor during his two spells in the last four years and such is his popularity that so often players run towards him after scoring a goal. It was Steve Cotterill who signed him on both occasions and I know just how much the former manager thought of him.

That's also the case with current boss Owen Coyle who has spoken about Ade today as he prepared to move to Houston. "Ade has had a massive impact at this club and I can't speak highly enough about him," he said.

"I have had a fantastic relationship with Ade while he has been here. He has been a model professional and he has been a big part in what we are doing, on and off the park. We will be sorry to see him leave and it is tinged with sadness, but I couldn't stand in the way because this really is a lifestyle change."

Coyle continued: "I would have loved to have him here until the end of the season, but I always said if the right thing came along we would let him know and the door to America might not have been open at the end of the season.

"It's not about chasing finance. You read bits and pieces in the paper, rolling out players who have been to America, and I even read a quote saying that Ade is going chasing money. I have to just let people know that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Ade is going to America for a lot less money than he earns at Burnley Football Club. He is going for that lifestyle change and I just wish people would be aware of the facts before being willing to comment on them."