Seager deserves recognition for nurturing Akinde

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marc Seager is pleased that big striker John Akinde has earned a big-money transfer from Ebbsfleet United to Bristol City, writes Stephen McCartney.

Gravesend lad Akinde, 20, who spent two loan spells with Whitstable Town before returning to Stonebridge Road, impressed during Fleet’s 1-0 win over Torquay United in the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium in May, setting up the only goal of the game for Chris McPhee.



DEAL:  John Akinde has sealed a move from Ebbsfleet United to Bristol City.  Here he scores a goal for Whitstable Town at Ashford Town last season.
Photograph courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Seager was responsible for nurturing Akinde before he secured a regular first team place with the Fleet and told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk that he always felt Akinde would make the grade.

Akinde has sealed a £150,000 move to fourth placed Championship club Bristol City.

“I am so pleased that we were able to play a very small part in the progression of John’s football career,” said Seager.

“He’s a smashing lad, a good time keeper, good at training and great to have around the dressing room.

“He was a firm favourite with his fellow players and the supporters.

“To see the way he improved with each game he played for us was a treat. He came to us as a young lad, left us a really ,really good footballer, who despite his size has a great touch and deadly around the six-yard box.

“Under the guidance of Liam (Daish) and the rest of the staff at Ebbsfleet it’s little wonder that he’s made the step-up.

“He’s definitely one to watch, as I believe he can go a long way in football and everyone at the club who met him will always remember him.”

Whitstable Town, meanwhile, earned a trip to their Ryman League Division One South rivals Merstham in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday week, following their 1-0 win against Selsey on Saturday.

Whitstable had lost their previous league games 4-0 but David Cory's goal ensured that poor run of form ended.

“Delighted to be in the next round and very pleased we kept a clean sheet, which is a good stepping stone for next week’s league game against Fleet Town,” said Seager.

“I was pleased with the support we received on Saturday and keen to carry this result forward.

“I know we are not at our best but even so we got the result we wanted.”

Article courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk