'He brings height, physicality, and a real eye for goal' - Chesterfield sign prolific striker from Irish football
Chesterfield have beaten off strong competition to sign Scottish striker Fraser Bryden on a three-year deal.
Near neighbours Sheffield Wednesday were understood to be one of the clubs tracking the striker who bagged more than 20 goals for Crusaders in the Northern Ireland Football League’s Premier Division last term.
His manager there, Declan Caddell, has described him as a player who brings “height, physicality, and a real eye for goal.”
Bryden adds a presence to the Spireites’ front line that many fans have wanted.
He will also provide support and competition for last season’s top scorer, Lee Bonis, as a question mark remains over the future of veteran striker Will Grigg.
Still only 22, Bryden has blossomed in the last 12 months after a quiet spell on the goals front.
Starting out in his native Scotland at Ayr, he went on loan to Queen of the South and found the net just twice in 20 appearances until Crusaders signed him on a two-year contract last summer.
Bryden hit his stride in Belfast, scoring 23 goals in 37 games across all competitions and attracting interest from England and Ireland.
Chesterfield’s no.2, Danny Webb, said: “We’ve been looking for another addition to our frontline and Fraser has had a terrific season over in Northern Ireland.
“He’s a player we’ve been looking at for a while and we believe his goal contribution and all round game will have a big part to play going forward.”
Bryden didn’t take much persuading to try his hand in League Two next season.
“I’ve known of the interest for a few weeks now and as soon as I heard about it, it was something that really excited me,” he said. “Now I’m finally here, I’m delighted.
“The club looks brilliant. The facilities are all top-class and I’m just looking forward to getting started on the pitch.
“I’m a number nine, centre-forward. I like to get myself in between the sticks and score goals."
Bryden takes the tally of summer arrivals to nine following Junior Eccleston, Alfie Pond, Jack Simpson, George McEachran, Ruel Sitiriou, Josh Koroma, Remeau Hutton and Danny Anisjko.