Ayr United bosses knocked back January jackpot for Dipo Akinyemi

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ayr United have turned down one of the biggest transfer fees in their history for top gun Dipo Akinyemi.Somerset chiefs knocked back an offer of more than £250,000 in the January window for the Championship's joint-top scorer, whose deal expires in 18 months.The Ayrshire Post can reveal that a club in England's League One was prepared to take the 16-goal striker back south in a lucrative move.But Ayr stood firm - with bosses insisting they put on the park ambition before their bank balance.Managing director, Graeme Mathie, told the Post: "As a club we have made it clear that this window was about prioritising on field success over transfer income."An offer was made that would have taken Dipo back closer to his roots and allowed him to play at the highest level he ever has."We fully respected that.

But we have made clear to Dipo all along that he has huge value not just to the team, but as a human being."Mathie, who brokered big moves for the likes of John McGinn and Josh Doig while Hibs sporting director, added: "We're very clear that this has to be right for everyone involved."That means that if the time does come, it must be the right club at the right time with the right fee."We've always been clear with Dipo that we will look to make that happen and I think he and his family appreciate that we are being open and honest to that end."He has shown great mental strength to block out the noise around him and continue performing to a high standard."The dressing room has also rallied around and reminded him what a crucial part he is of the group."We are very lucky to have him at the football club going forward."Ayr's record transfer fee is Gary Teale's switch to Wigan in 2001 - for an initial £275,000 - which soared past