AshGold seek link up with Reds

Last updated : 27 May 2006 By Al Campbell
Kojo Fianoo, chief executive of the Obuasi based side, is hoping to set up a partnership with Liverpool to boost their own academy and give the Reds first look at some of the most promising young players from Ghana.

"We travelled in January to seek assistance from the European clubs to revamp our academy," said Fianoo.

"Liverpool agreed to come down and take a look and that is why they are here.

"If you are running a football club you need all the structures in place. [Ivorian club] Asec are making it because of a vibrant academy.

"We should rebuild our academy, and like Liverpool we captured Ghanaian football for a while, only to suddenly slip.

"Our visitors have seen the facilities at Gomoa Fetteh and are impressed with what they saw.

"During the week they will be watching our training sessions and assessing our facilities in Obuasi.

"We shall also be looking at possibilities on how our players can be transferred to Liverpool through the academy."

"We hope to enjoy our stay and learn a great deal of Ghanaian football," said the Liverpool coach.

"We have come here with an open mind to have a look at Ashantigold and report back to Rick Parry who sent us," said Liverpool Academy coach Stuart Gelling who, with fellow coach Gareth Evans, has travelled to Ghana for a week.

"We will look for players with the required standards for European football.

"Ashgold approached Liverpool and requested our support. So why not give them a try?"