David James sees good times ahead for Bristol City after signing new deal
DAVID James is tipping Bristol City to benefit from the adversities of last season after putting pen to paper on a 12-month contract extension.
The former England goalkeeper was brought to Ashton Gate by Steve Coppell last summer, just weeks before the manager quit his post two games into the campaign.
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Bristol City's David James
Keith Millen took charge, but City were mired in relegation trouble in the early part of the campaign following the off-field disruption, which rendered their chances of a play-off push over before they began.
Millen, however, guided the team to an impressive run of form towards the end of the campaign and James, who featured in all but two of City’s games last season, believes the side are stronger for the experience.
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“Despite all the adversities last season, I think on a number of occasions we showed our capabilities,” said James, 40, who won 53 caps for England over a ten-year spell.
“Yes, there were some inconsistencies that let us down and too often we allowed teams to beat us. When we got it right, we could wins games against whoever we faced. I’m confident we can do good things this season, as I’ve been assuring City fans whenever I bump into them around the world.
“The manager is getting a decent squad together with some hungry younger players coming on board, all hoping to challenge for first-team places straight away.
“The squad is coming together and we also have a decent staff in place. I’m looking forward to the new season and a full pre-season with the club.
“We should take a lot of heart from the positives of last season and take them into the upcoming campaign. The goal when I first joined was promotion. We had a tough battle, but we should be better for that experience.”
James triggered an option of an additional 12 months by playing an agreed amount of games last season, and Millen said: "David proved his fitness last year being available for every game.”
He added: “He clearly sees us going in the right direction, pushing for promotion in the forthcoming season. That’s why he’s decided to sign the contract extension.”
James will join the players for the start of pre-season training on Friday, when Millen is hopeful that skipper Louis Carey will also have signed a new 12-month deal. Goalkeeper Steven Henderson has also been offered a new deal, but has yet to sign and is being chased by other clubs.
Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor could also join up with the squad should he decide on a move to Ashton Gate.
The former England Under 21 international is believed to have held talks with Millen in Bristol on Monday afternoon. His decision is imminent, but a move to Cardiff City is also a possibility following talks with Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay. Tony Mowbray has also indicated he is keen to keep the out-of-contract defender at the Riverside.
Millen is also expected to hold talks with prized asset Nicky Maynard on Friday. The manager is keen to keep Maynard at Ashton Gate in light of a £3 million offer from Leicester, which was rejected last week.
The Foxes, however, may end their pursuit if they can agree personal terms striker Craig Mackail-Smith after having an offer accepted by Peterborough United.
Comments
by piledriver
Thursday, June 30 2011, 5:14PM
“@Pilkington:
1.James' contract needed to be signed before July 1st.It has, so City had no option.The only way out of the situation and my contention is that he's done well for us and will prove an integral part of a stable ( I hope) back four next season, is not to select him.
2.The offer betters what the strikers at Forest & Leicester are earning by quite some way.Had he been given a new contract (say three years)last season when he had a serious injury and was rumoured to be finished, how mad would that have been had the rumours been proven to be true??
3.Henderson isn't better that James and neither is he considered better than Gerken.If Coventry can pay him more than we can (or want to) and he wants to go to a club that has probelms on and off the field-moving house to do so, then we can loan or sign another keeper.I rate Hendo and I'd like him to stay but with a GK, there can only be one.
4.Carey is a leader (you need them on a cold Tuesday night at Millwall) and a versatile defender capable at both RB & CH.I'd agree that this is probably his last season and so would he.
5.Wilson started the last two games and we kept two clean sheets.Injury free, I hope he starts against Ipswich.”
by Pilkington
Thursday, June 30 2011, 11:20AM
“Piledriver.
My thoughts on your comments.
1) So David James drain on resources is greater than we thought. Even more reason why his extended contract should have been withdrawn in mid-June when it remained unsigned.
2) Nicky might become City's higest paid player, but does this new contract compete with offers from rival clubs ? We shall see.
Ultimatley, he should have been given a new contract last summer.
3) Gloss it up as much as you like, but Stephen Henderson has been offered a contract befitting of a third choice goalkeeper. If he stays Stephen he is likely to be loaned out to a League One side again. He has already proved himself at that level. Stephen would be wise to leave and sign for an NPC club as first choice goalkeeper. I hear Coventry City are interested in Stephen as a replacement for Westwood.
4) Now the rose-tinted glasses really do need to come off. Louis has been a great servant, but his time is up at this level.
When he is not dropping barbecues on his ankle, or out injured for a 2-3 months stretch, a couple of times a year, it is fair to say his performances have rapidly nosedived.
James Wilson proved at the end of last season that he is ready to step up and take the mantle (I believe five clean sheets from six starts).
Now Keith has to be brave and do something Gary Johnson couldn't - place his trust in our Academy players.”
by piledriver
Thursday, June 30 2011, 1:54AM
“@Pilkington:
1.James earns more than £15kpw.
2.Maynard will become Citys' highest paid player when he signs his new deal.Quite a decent contract I think you'll agree.
3.Henderson has been offered a two year contract with a pay rise and could still play first team football on loan next season whilst still earning NPC Wages.Hardly a snub.
4.Louis Carey will sign a new one year deal and as a leader, club captain and a talented and versatile defender, he's still a valuable member of the squad.”
by Pilkington
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 6:07PM
“The new amateur board have made a big mistake here.
It beggars belief that some the fickle few are rejoicing the news we have resigned David James on £15k a week, and at the same time snubbed a very talented goalkeeper in Stephen Henderson, who has undoubtedly been given a clear indication that his future lies elsewhere.
Frankly speaking, Stephen is heading UP the footballing ladder - as opposed to David - so I feel it makes sense for Stephen to leave Ashton Gate immediately and crack on with his career without further hinderance to his progress.
Is it no wonder we cannot afford to put a respectable contract in front of Nicky Maynard.
The amateur board should have run David James and Louis Carey's contracts through the shredder.”
by InsideRed
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 4:13PM
“mmmmmmm”
by InsideRed
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 4:06PM
“@Piledriver
Unfortunately - someone with no imagination and fewer brains is using my name.....again. I'm delighted that DJ has signed and is great news for Keith and his attempts to attract other players.DJ is also great to watch and now knows what to expect in the Championship.”
by piledriver
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 3:03PM
“Oh and if Leicester can't agree personal terms with Mackail Smith (I think they will), don't even bother lifting the phone to Maynard's agent!”
by piledriver
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 3:01PM
“@RedNemisis:
Jealousy is a terrible thing so leave it at the Blue Side.15 Clean Sheets in a side that had a horrendous start and only finished 15th is some acheivement, particularly when you play behind a different defence because of injuries every week.
Fifth best record in the NPC, so don't crick your neck when looking up sunshine.
82 goals against???”
by Bonesy1
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 12:43PM
“He could have got 15k elsewhere easily. Stayed because City are local to him.”
by RedNemesis
Wednesday, June 29 2011, 11:25AM
“No Keith, David signed his 12-month contract extension because no one else was stupid enough to pay a 40-year-old 15 grand a week.”