Speaking to Birmingham Cityâs official media, David Stockdale has highlighted the clubâs supporters as one of the main reasons behind his decision to join the Blues this summer. Â
Despite achieving promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last season with Brighton and Hove Albion, and the Seagulls offering the 31-year old a new contract, Stockdale has opted against an opportunity in the top-flight, to link up with Birmingham ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Harry Redknapp, who is preparing for his first full season at St Andrewâs, has made Stockdale his first Birmingham signing, bringing the goalkeeper to the club on a three-year deal.
Shortly after securing his move to St Andrewâs, Stockdale revealed the impact Birminghamâs fans had on his decision to sign, he said: âI watched a video, I looked at the fans singing (after the Bristol City game on the final day of last season), and that is a part of me, I like to be able to feel something from the fans.
âThatâs what makes a football club, you donât get anything without the fans, a big thing (to joining), was him (Redknapp) saying he wanted to get the fans back.â
Redknapp took charge of Birmingham for the final three fixtures of the 2016/17 campaign, and led the Blues to safety on the final day of the season, having won two from his three games in-charge.
This summer, Redknapp is looking to shape a squad capable of competing in the Championship, having agreed a one-year extension on the short-term deal he had originally signed with Birmingham.
Securing the signing of Stockdale, who kept 18 clean sheets in the Championship last season, is a big statement of intent from Redknapp and Birmingham heading into a busy summer.
Birmingham fans⦠How pleased are you that Stockdale has joined your club? Did his signing come as a shock? Let us know your thoughts!