Tendayi Darikwa signs for Burnley FC
Tendayi Darikwa has signed for Burnley FC on a 3 year contract subject to paperwork. Burnley edged out Preston for the signing of 23 year-old after he requested a transfer from the Spireites.
He made his Football League debut in February 2012 against Notts County, a ground just down the road from where his family live in West Bridgford, Nottingham.
Wright continued: "Since then he has flourished. What has happened to him over the last six months is massive. It has got to the point where you can see other teams worrying about how to stop him."
In October 2012 former Chesterfield manager Paul Cook took charge of the Spireites and shortly afterwards gave Darikwa a new three-year deal.
Paul Cook: "He is already a very good footballer and he is going to have a very good career"
Speaking in 2013 then assistant Tommy Wright commented: "The biggest thing about Tendayi has always been his desire and his attitude in training, he is very level headed and a pleasure to work with, I wish there were a lot more like him."
"When asked about the rumours of interest from top-flight clubs he said: "You've got to remember I've only played just over 20 league games, I have got to be disciplined with my lifestyle and know my boundaries. My social life is quiet."
Unfortunately for Darikwa he was hit by a hernia injury at the end of the 2013 transfer window. In February a specialist diagnosed a bilateral inguinal hernia and the then 21-year-old underwent surgery the next week.
Darikwa then struggled for form as a right winger and which saw his career stutter. He was then converted to a right back to cover the injured Drew Talbot, which could now be his best position, he has worked a lot on his defensive work under former manager Paul Cook which saw him play every game of the league campaign in the 2014/15 season. This was topped off by winning the Players Player of the Season and Fans Player of the Season award.
Following the departure of manager John Sheridan, caretaker manager Tommy Wright pushed Tendayi Darikwa into right midfield where he remained that season. Discussing the thinking behind the move to BBC Sport Wright said: "There was nothing particularly tactical about the decision, we had a few injuries and I knew he would work hard."
Wright continued: "Since then he has flourished. What has happened to him over the last six months is massive. It has got to the point where you can see other teams worrying about how to stop him."
In October 2012 former Chesterfield manager Paul Cook took charge of the Spireites and shortly afterwards gave Darikwa a new three-year deal.
Paul Cook: "He is already a very good footballer and he is going to have a very good career"
Speaking in 2013 then assistant Tommy Wright commented: "The biggest thing about Tendayi has always been his desire and his attitude in training, he is very level headed and a pleasure to work with, I wish there were a lot more like him."
Late 2013 saw great interest in Tendayi Darikwa from many Championship and Premier League sides. Everton boss David Moyes personally watched Darikwa and was a big fan of the Spireite winger. Other teams interested included Man Utd, Spurs, West Ham, Fulham and Hull.
"When asked about the rumours of interest from top-flight clubs he said: "You've got to remember I've only played just over 20 league games, I have got to be disciplined with my lifestyle and know my boundaries. My social life is quiet."
Unfortunately for Darikwa he was hit by a hernia injury at the end of the 2013 transfer window. In February a specialist diagnosed a bilateral inguinal hernia and the then 21-year-old underwent surgery the next week.
Darikwa then struggled for form as a right winger and which saw his career stutter. He was then converted to a right back to cover the injured Drew Talbot, which could now be his best position, he has worked a lot on his defensive work under former manager Paul Cook which saw him play every game of the league campaign in the 2014/15 season. This was topped off by winning the Players Player of the Season and Fans Player of the Season award.
Darikwa has the raw potential to push onto the Championship and maybe even higher. The 23 year old has just had a baby with girlfriend Charlotte and it may just be the right time to settle and push on to fill his potential. A 3 year deal this would certainly allow the Nottingham born Zimbabwean do this.
Darikwa played 125 league matches for the Spireites scoring 9 times.
Comments
Post a Comment