Bristol City sign England international goalkeeper David James
Bristol City have agreed a deal to sign England international goalkeeper David James, writes Andy Stockhausen.
The 39-year-old passed a lunchtime medical at Ashton Gate and has agreed a one-year deal, with an option of a further year.
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Although James will be at the Ashton Gate pre-season friendly with Blackpool tomorrow to be paraded on the pitch before kick-off, his contract will not come into effect until Sunday.
City have beaten off competition from Sunderland and Celtic for the former Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper, whose last played in England’s World Cup last 16 defeat to Germany in South Africa last month. His next match will be for City against Millwall in the Championship curtain-raiser at Ashton Gate tomorrow week.
A free agent since his contract with Portsmouth expired in the summer, James pulled out of talks with Celtic earlier this week and flew to Guernsey to meet with City chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday. Discussions went well and the Hertfordshire-born player met with Robins manager Steve Coppell at Ashton Gate today before putting pen to paper.
His arrival represents a major coup for the Championship club ahead of the 2010-11 season.
Exeter-based James has made no secret of his desire to remain in the West Country and he confirmed: “I’ve had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football – which I love – for the right club and be a family man.
“I had a long conversation with the chairman, Steve Lansdown, yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.
“The club is ambitious and that’s what I am. The South West has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change.”
Lansdown said: “I’m delighted David James has agreed to sign today.
“My ambition is for this football club to play at the highest level – the Premier League – and in the best surroundings, hence the work on the training ground and new stadium.
“We need good quality players to make that happen and that’s why I’m thrilled that David has agreed to come on board.”
James, capped 53 times by his country, left Portsmouth on a free transfer during the close season.
Previously he has played at the highest level with Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Manchester City.
He has also won a string of honours, including the FA Cup and League Cup and holds the record for the most Premier League clean sheets..
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by Simon, Briz
Wednesday, August 04 2010, 10:29PM
“Hmmmm I wonder if the simple Simon person is supposed to be my alter-ego. I have upset a few Gasheads recently by telling them the truth....anyway back on topic.
David James is a good, experienced keeper who will add to the good younger keepers we have in the squad. I think he will stay 2 years then join the coaching staff, so a win-win situation. I can't see anything negative in the signing. Oz gas Steve Phillips is a good league 2 keeper...just a reality check for you. David James has different priorities now, and fair play to him for putting his wife first.”
by petayh, south glos
Saturday, July 31 2010, 10:33PM
“england needed to revert to his experience at the world cup, now city have that experience. can only be good for the other keepers to be training along side him. quality signing. well done to the chairman and manager”
by ziderian, cheltenham
Saturday, July 31 2010, 6:32PM
“Brilliant signings this week!
Brilliant work Messers Lansdown and Coppell!!
All the City fans I know are OPTIMISTIC about the new season, moreso than we've all been for a while. I can't remember the last time I was looking forward to a season at the Gate as much as I am this year.
Signing James in particular is a statement of intent - ie. We think Bristol City are good enough to get to the Prem league come May 2011. It might not happen, but at least the club, the chairman, the manager and the fans all believe in the dream.
Rovers fans - I'd dearly love to see both Bristol clubs in the Prem league one day. Just imagine what fantastic occasions Bristol derbies in the Prem would be (with City winning of course).
Let's hope both City and Rovers get promoted this season.
Finally, thanks Steve Lansdown once again for putting his money where his mouth is. This guy has spent millions of his hard-earned on Bristol City, on the new stadium plans, on trying to get the world cup to Bristol, and on bringing an England international player to the club. Top Chairman!”
by Cider army, Southville
Saturday, July 31 2010, 6:04PM
“Bring back basso, this guys past it.
He only played in the world cup cus green had a mare. Otherwise he wouldn't of played any world cup games (again.)
Hope coppell knows what he's letting himself in for. Hope it's not gonna be a long season and i'll gladly eat humble pie if im wrong.”
by Matt, Looking Down on Sag Heads
Saturday, July 31 2010, 4:47PM
“JJ you prat - ha ha ha what a laugh - no sense of humour !!?? we constantly laugh at your tin pot little club...!!! it find it hilarious actually that more sags come on here commenting about our international keeper than comment about the story bout your own keeper problems !!! Mike Hunt is his name on no Green sorry....you think you wind us up, but really we feel sorry for you just a tiny bit JJ . SAG head.
As for Roger - well dont think i'll even go there - look again Rog old boy old bean - you cant even string a sentence together that makes sense....!!!
David James had offers from Fulham, West Ham , Sunderland - all premiership teams last time I looked Rodga - do you know much about football or are you one of these spoil sport nimby types...!!??!”