Gary Gardner made a move across Birmingham to re-join the Blues from Aston Villa, it was announced yesterday.

He had been at Aston Villa since he was a child, but spent last season on loan at Birmingham where he impressed fans and manager alike.

In a surprising move, Jota went the other way, with a reported £4 million  fee given to Birmingham.

Upon the move Gardner noted the influence of Blues manager Garry Monk, and identified him as a key reason why he wanted to move back, as well as his enjoyment in playing for the club.

Speaking to the Birmingham City media team, he said: "I'm delighted, last year I loved my time here, all through the year, the lads made me feel welcome, the staff. I’m just delighted to be back here.

“Towards the end of the season I got myself thinking ‘this is my last bit of time’, I had that connection with Villa, I was on loan and I had to blank my mind out that this was the last game because I was hoping it wasn’t.

“But now the deal is done and I’m back here, I’m just over the moon," added Gardner.

Gardner became a key player of Monk's side last season, and made 42 appearances in total. Blues fans will be happy to see him return, albeit at the expense of one of their better players in Jota.

It appears that he has put rivalry in the back of his mind, and is looking forward to playing for Birmingham long-term, despite being at Villa for so long.

The Verdict

The midfielder has signed a three-year deal with Birmingham, and could be integral to a long-term project if Monk also stays at the club for a long period.

He was great last season and Birmingham need him more than Jota, so I think it is a good deal for the club.

The passion and excitement he has playing for Birmingham is always a positive to see, and he could become a real fans favourite in no time. If he sticks around for a while I can also see him becoming captain.