DEFENDER Richard Nartey says Burton Albion’s style of play will suit him as a ball-playing defender - and says he spoke to former Brewer Brad Collins about life at the Pirelli Stadium.
Nartey signed for Albion from Premier League side Chelsea on a season-long loan deal yesterday, becoming our second summer signing announced, with John-Joe O’Toole set to join at the expiration of his Northampton Town contract.
20-year-old centre-back Nartey says he watched a lot of Albion’s games last season, including our famous run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals where we met Manchester City in the final four.
Not least because Collins, a former teammate of Nartey’s in the Chelsea youth set-up, had established himself as our first-choice keeper during a successful loan spell last term.
“I followed the run in the Carabao Cup last season a lot, especially because Bradley was here before so it was just nice to watch some of the games,” Nartey told iFollow Brewers.
“I think the style of play here is similar to how I class myself as playing, which is one of the main things that led me here.
“Chelsea are always happy for players to go out on loan, especially if they think it’s the right move for them. With the way Chelsea play, and especially with this club being the way it is, this would be good for me.
“Getting me here for the start of pre-season means I can hit the ground running.
“I spoke to the manager (Nigel Clough) and a few people around the club, and everyone has made me feel welcome so I’m sure I’ll fit in nicely.”
And Nartey says he sought the opinion of Collins, who last week signed for Championship side Barnsley having left Stamford Bridge and made the defender’s decision an easy one.
“Brad messaged me a month ago,” said Nartey.
“I was just asking him about the club and the players and how he liked it, and he loved it (here). I could have gone (on loan) just on what he said to be honest!
“It was an easy decision really.”
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