September 12 2003

Ade Akinbiyi

Misfit striker Ade Akinbiyi has finally been released by Palace and joined Stoke City.

Akinbiyi, 28, helped the Potters avoid relegation at the end of last season, scoring two goals in four games.

They wanted to sign him but could not afford his high wages, while this season Walsall and Gilingham have also been interested.

The Nigerian, who has recently ditched his agent, has been a total flop since his £2.2m signing from Leicester in February 2002.

Akinbiyi has signed a three-year contract and City Director of Football John Rudge said: "We are delighted this has now finally been resolved and Ade is a City player.

"There were reports flying about yesterday saying he had signed but they were too quick off the mark as there was still some work to be done overnight and the deal was by no means complete.

"But now we have an agreement and Ade is a City player."