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Man City grab Goater in last minute transfer

Shawn Goater is moving up in the world of English soccer.But for exactly how long remains to seen.Beating the 5.00 p.m. (GMT) transfer deadline by minutes,

Shawn Goater is moving up in the world of English soccer.

But for exactly how long remains to seen.

Beating the 5.00 p.m. (GMT) transfer deadline by minutes, Goater yesterday signed a four-year deal that takes him from Bristol City to Manchester City.

The 400,000 ($600,000) transfer not only sees the Bermudian striker move from the west country side to one of the most popular clubs in English soccer, it also represents his long-awaited move from the Second Division to the First Division.

"This,'' said Goater's agent, Mark Georgevic, "is what he's worked so hard for. He deserves it ... It's a great move for him.'' Pessimists might think otherwise: Manchester City are in a fight to avoid relegation down to the Second Division, while Bristol are close to being promoted to the First.

Manchester City manager Joe Royle was known to be pursuing several deals in order to boost his club's firepower up front. He signed midfielder Ian Bishop in a free transfer from West Ham on Wednesday and then yesterday turned his attention to Goater.

The transfer fee includes a bonus if City stay up.

Goater has scored 19 goals for Bristol this season, but would have been out of contract following this season.

Georgevic confirmed that Royle had been "looking at him for some time'' before making a bid. Goater had once been rated as a 1 million transfer but his value depreciated the closer he got to the end of the season, when, under the Bosman ruling, he would be free to sign with any club.

In the end, Bristol City, fearing Goater would be leaving anyway, took the money.

"It was a very difficult decision for them,'' Georgevic said. "I think they were sad to let him go; he's been a great player for them. But in the end it came down to the fact that they didn't want to stand in his way.'' Both Georgevic and Goater had to wait anxiously by the telephone before receiving confirmation that the contract -- signed and then faxed to the club well past 4.30 p.m. -- had actually gone through.

Once it had, Goater was soon making plans to be included for tomorrow's sold-out home match against Bradford. Georgevic said it was "quite likely'' Goater would receive some playing time immediately before his 30,000 new fans.

Goater, who started his English career in Manchester with Premier Division club United, could not be reached for comment last night.

Manchester City are currently third from the bottom in the First Division -- the last three go down -- but with 40 points in 39 matches could easily leap ahead of several teams in the tight battle to avoid relegation.

Bristol City, with 72 points, are all but guaranteed promotion next season.

Ironically one of the teams City are fighting against are Stoke -- also with 40 points -- who recently upgraded their attack with the addition of another Bermudian, Kyle Lightbourne.

Lightbourne, who started the season at Premier Division Coventry City, has been sidelined lately with a virus.

SHAWN GOATER -- could play for his new club, Manchester City, in Saturday's game against Bradford.