GARNER DELIGHT AT KOIKI SIGNING
BRISTOL Rovers have, at last, confirmed the signing of former Burnley defender Ali
Koiki.
The 21-year-old wing-back has joined Ben Garner’s side on an undisclosed contract following protracted negotiations.
The deal was all but completed a week ago, but unforeseen complexities made it a drawn-out process. Regardless, Garner is delighted to sign the coveted left-sided player, who attracted interest from Sunderland and was on the verge of joining Charlton Athletic before talks broke down and he opted to move to the Memorial Stadium.
“Ali is a player that we have tracked for a long time and he has the attributes that suit our style of play,” Garner told the club website.
“From my conversations with him it was clear that he has the right attitude and determination to be a success here. Ali is a quick and powerful player who is defensively strong but who also provides a strong attacking threat. He will have the opportunity here to grow as both a player and a person in order to achieve his full potential.”
Koiki was offered a new contract by Premier League Burnley in the summer, but it was rejected and the Clarets will be due compensation from the Gas.
“I’m glad to be here - very glad to be here,” he said. “It’s been a while to get it over and done with.
“Obviously the season has already started. I’m happy to finally be here and hope to hit the ground running. I had a conversation on the phone with Ben Garner and I know he likes me as a player. He sees me developing. He likes my character and heas heard good things about me. That’s why he wanted to bring me into the club.
The 21-year-old will bring pace and power on the left flank, competing with David Tutonda and Luke Leahy for the left-wing-back role in Garner’s 3-5-2 formation.
Koiki played 15 games on loan at League Two champions Swindon Town last season.