Nicky Departs For £2.25m

Nicky Maynard tonight left Crewe Alexandra for Bristol City for a fee of £2.25million.

After three straight months of rumours surround Nicky’s future it was finally sorted in a matter of 48 hours. Yesterday news filtered through that Bristol City, long term admirers of Maynard, had had a bid accepted.

Today, after rumours of other interest and certain medicals, the move was completed and announced by Bristol City.

Having scored 35 in 57 starts for Crewe, it was never in much doubt that Maynard would eventually get his ‘big move’. He renewed his contract just over a year ago with the promise that the right offer would allow him to consider his options.

With his importance to the club, it’s strange to think that Nicky has only played two seasons professionally, and both have been cut short by injury. He burst onto the scene on the last day of 05/06 with a goal from his first touch in professional football. From there he has never looked back.

Partnering Luke Varney in 06/07 the two struck up a devastating partnership scoring 44 goals between them, despite both picking up injuries throughout the season. That seas Nicky scored 19 and with Varney’s departure in the summer all eyes were on him for the new season.

However, it took just 23 minutes into the 07/08 season for Steve Holland’s worst nightmare to be realised. Maynard had broken his leg and would sit out the first five months of the season. The Alex went on to struggle, as Maynard too struggled with his fitness battle. Then in the final two months of the season everything clicked as Maynard bagged an amazing 11 goals in the last 9 league games, securing safety for Steve Holland’s men.

Nicky departs for one of the club’s highest ever transfer fees (3rd highest off the top of my head) and goes with the best wishes of the fans and club.

Vital Crewe would like to wish Maynard luck in his future, which will hopefully be in the Premiership.