Club record fee lands Senegal international Diédhiou
Posted: Wednesday, June 28th 2017
Ashton's delight at securing record deal
Wednesday, June 28th 2017
Mark Ashton says the club record £5.3m signing of Famara Diédhiou has been a real "team effort".
The club's chief executive officer has welcomed two news faces to Ashton Gate in the past 48 hours, with Italian defender Eros Pisano quickly being followed into BS3 by Diédhiou.
There was plenty of interest in the Senegalese striker from other English clubs and abroad, but Ashton says the work of everyone behind the scenes at Ashton Gate was the key to getting the deal over the line.
He also took time to thank owner Steve Lansdown for backing the deal.
Ashton said: “It’s big business and hopefully he’ll be a big player for this football club.
“He’s someone we’d identified a while ago as having real potential to fill the frontman’s shoes. We’ve had Kodjia and Tammy (Abraham) who have done well for us in the last two seasons, so we were aware we needed to replace them and get goals into the team."
“From our end, it’s not just me and it’s not just Lee. There’s a group of people in regards to recruitment; analysis, PR, media and contractual who have all worked behind the scenes on this for about a month now to try to get this deal done."
He added: “Following the signing of Eros Pisano, who I think will be a really good signing for us at right-back, I’m hoping Diédhiou will give us another real boost.
“The transfer smashes our previous record and I think it’s a sign of intent that the club wants to move forward. I’d like to thank Angers for their professionalism and cooperation throughout this deal.
“From our end, it’s not just me and it’s not just Lee. There’s a group of people in regards to recruitment; analysis, PR, media and contractual who have all worked behind the scenes on this for about a month now to try to get this deal done.
“I’m delighted for everyone who has put such a shift in to doing this, but I also can’t say thank you enough to the Lansdown family for supporting the football club when we’ve asked. That needs to be recognised because this is a big transfer. I’m hoping he’ll reward that with goals.”
Also from Bristol Sport
Secure your place at the West Country derby
Ashton Gate will welcome a bumper crowd for Bristol’s West Country derby versus Gloucester on Saturday.
Posted: Monday, January 20th 2020 • Rugby
Stat attack: Challenge Cup pool stage
Check out the best of the stats from Bristol Bears' European Challenge Cup campaign so far.
Posted: Monday, January 20th 2020 • Rugby
Gallery: Wasps Ladies 34-20 Bristol Bears Women
Check out the best action shots as Bristol Bears Women fell to a 34-20 defeat against Wasps Ladies at Twyford Avenue.
Posted: Monday, January 20th 2020 • Rugby
Reigning Corporate Basketball champions visit Flyers matchday
Staff from Nascence Project partners, Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) attended Bristol Flyers’ BBL Cup victory over Leicester Riders at SGS College earlier this month.
Posted: Monday, January 20th 2020 • Basketball
Cast your vote for Saturday's matchday music!
Bristol Bears are back at home on Saturday and we're letting you decide what music will be played around Ashton Gate against Gloucester (3pm KO).
Posted: Monday, January 20th 2020 • Rugby