Kingson's Premiership Joy

RICHARD Kingson has made his "dream" move by signing for newly promoted Premiership side Birmingham. The World Cup star arrived in England last week Monday before undergoing his medical tests at St Andrews before completing his move from Swedish outfit Hammarby. Talking of his stay in Sweden, Kingson told the club's official website: "This has been the best time of my life and I would like to thank Hammarby.” Everybody has been great and I was always happy here, but now my dream has come true. "I have already declined two offers, from Denmark and Israel, because I wanted to stay in Hammarby.” But I have always dreamt of playing in England.” Kingson's agent Fabien Piveteau who also doubles as compatriot Michael Essien's agent echoed his client's comments: "It's a dream come true for Richard."

Richard Kingson who was born on 13th June 1978 in Accra is also known as Faruk Gürsoy and is also affectionately known as “Olele”. Football commentators during the World Cup said he played incredibly well against the Czech Republic, where he made a lot of critical saves at the end of the match. During the BBC coverage of Ghana's game against Italy he was described as “possibly the first great African goalkeeper” He also played very well towards the end of the Ghana v. Brazil match, stopping three very good shots consecutively. There was some confusion during the 2006 FIFA World Cup regarding Kingson's surname, whether it was misspelled KINGSON on the back of his shirt. As a result the Ghana FA had to confirm that his name is Kingston.

"By joining us, Richard has increased the competition among the keepers because we already have two other top keepers," Birmingham City's goalkeeping coach Lasse Eriksson said. He added that the team is happy to have the Ghanaian because he brings a wealth of experience with him that includes 43 appearances for the Black Stars. "Richard has very good reflexes and is marvellous in the box. He also has a cool head and a lot of experience," Eriksson added of the player who also holds a Turkish nationality.

It will be recalled that on the 28th of June, Hammarby confirmed that Kingson's contract will not be extended and that Kingson will leave as Hammarby had failed to meet the financial demands to seal a permanent deal for the keeper. Kingson was signed in March to replace injured keeper Erland Hellstrom. But the calibre of his performances were such that the side from Stockholm were unable to compete with reported offers from at least five other potential suitors. “I had really wanted to stay here but unfortunately Hammarby have been unable to meet the financial demands of Ankaraspor. ”I owe the supporters of Hammarby a huge debt."

The Black Stars first choice goalie had been linked to clubs in England, Denmark (Aalborg) and Israel (Maccabi Tel Aviv) as he sought an end to his eleven-year spell in Turkey, but in the end the lure of the English Premiership proved too good to ignore. The Ghana international will have no problems with his work permit as he holds dual Turkish nationality.

Birmingham City have declared their intent of making a strong showing in the Premiership by signing Dutch youth international Daniel de Ridder on a free transfer from Spanish side Celta Vigo. Manager Steve Bruce has revealed that it was new recruit de Ridder's versatility that particularly persuaded him to swoop for the talented Dutch youngster. Birmingham have also pulled off a coup with the signing of 27-year-old French international Olivier Kapo from Juventus in a deal worth £3 million whilst Garry O'Connor has also moved to Birmingham City from Lokomotiv Moscow.