APRIL FOOL - Town Go Dutch!

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 01/04/2009

DUTCH striker Patrick Kluivert has sensationally signed for Grimsby until the end of the season. The former Ajex, Barcelona and Newcastle forward is looking for a new challenge after a career spent mainly at the top European clubs.

The Fishy caught up with the 32-year-old at his sumptuous Scartho apartment where he explained that the reason for his move, which will send reverberations around League Two, originally came from a family connection.

"I had been playing with Lille in France but was not really enjoying it", said Kluivert in his impeccable English. "I then went to a family wedding and met my godson Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro. I knew he was playing in England but he filled me in with the situation at Blundell Park and I was taken with his story.

"I had always dreamed of playing a team at the bottom of the lowest division and helping them avoid relegation.

"I've played at the top of the game and now I want to sample life at the bottom.

"One thing led to another and within days I had arranged a short-term contract with manager Mike Newell. It's a massive challenge and one I am looking forward to."

Kluivert is eligible to join Grimsby after the transfer deadline as he is effectively a free agent.

"I've settled up with Lille and we've parted on friendly terms. But they understood I had to follow my dreams", said Kluivert who scored 40 goals for his country.

His wife and two year old son are already settled in the town.

"Rosanna loves it here," said Kuivert. "She loves fish and enjoys the sea air, " he explained. "She should benefit from the change in diet too. My son has already taken to the beach. I'm recommending the area to all my family and friends."

Kluivert is expected to make his debut alongside his godson Akpro at the New Meadow on Saturday.

"It will be biggest moment of my career", he said. "When Jean-Louis was a boy we used to play keepy-uppys in his yard, but I never dreamed he'd go on and play for Grimsby.

"I can't wait to play with him. I'm so lucky to have this chance. Maybe we can play keep-uppys in the Shrewsbury six yard box", he joked.

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