Speaking to Birmingham City’s official media, David Stockdale has highlighted the club’s supporters as one of the main reasons behind his decision to join the Blues this summer.  

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 Andrew’s, 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 Andrew’s, Stockdale revealed the impact Birmingham’s fans had on his decision to sign, he said: “I 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.

“That’s what makes a football club, you don’t get anything without the fans, a big thing (to joining), was him (Redknapp) saying he wanted to get the fans back.”

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!