Striker extends with another short-term deal
Striker Derek Asamoah has today agreed a contract extension which keeps him at Brunton Park until the end of the current campaign.
Asamoah, 34, initially signed for the Blues on a short-term deal in October 2014 following a trial spell under new manager Keith Curle. He has since scored 12 goals in his 53 appearances for the club.
Manager Keith Curle said: “Derek is a player I like to have around. He can change games with the drop of a hat and I know from talking to supporters that he has become very popular. That comes as no surprise because he has pace and a little bit of flair, as well as the ability to score and create goals.
“He’s another of those players I know really well and he’s one I can get the best out of. The way he does things is to listen and react, and even at the age of 34 he’s a player who is still able to adapt and learn new things.
“He’s given us a lot over the past year or so but there’s still more to come from him. He brings a level of frustration when he isn’t playing, because that’s all he wants to do, but it’s always shown in a very positive manner.
“Having spoken to him, and knowing him like I do, I can tell he’s enjoying his football here. That’s important for Derek. When he’s settled and happy he gives you genuine options and a lot of determination and effort. It’s another contract we are very pleased to get finalised.”
Ghanaian born Asamoah started his career with the Protec Football Academy in North London and spent his football apprenticeship with Hampton and Richmond Borough before signing for Slough Town in 2001. He was spotted by scouts as he registered a number of impressive displays and earned a trial, and subsequently his first professional deal, with Northampton Town that same year.
Moves to Mansfield and Lincoln followed, but it was 8 goals in 17 games in a loan spell with Chester City which caught the eye of Shrewsbury Town. He bagged 11 goals in 48 outings for the Shrews before his move to OSG Nice brought him two years in French football.
He had a brief spell with Hamilton in 2009 before making a permanent move to sign for Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria in time for the start of their season that year. He joined the Pohang Steelers, billed as the most successful club in Asia, in 2011 and made over 100 appearances with two clubs in South Korea before returning to England.