Bristol City (18/1 to win the Championship) have secured a shock summer deal by signing England goalkeeper David James.
The deal will keep the former Portsmouth captain at Ashton Gate for a year with an option for an additional 12 months.
Earlier in the week it looked as though the 39-year-old would be moving to Scottish giants Celtic when he was set to go up to Glasgow to discuss terms.
However he failed to agree terms with the club, who then decided to state that they were no longer interested in the keeper just hours before he was confirmed as signing for City (11/2 to win promotion from the Championship) on Friday.
James was also linked with Premier League side Sunderland but the type of deal the Robins offered and the proximity to where the former Liverpool player lives seems to have been the deciding factors for the move.
The veteran keeper revealed that he had offers from clubs in the top flight but decided to take up the challenge at Ashton Gate.
He said: “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,” he added.
James played in three of England’s four World Cup games in South Africa this summer as he battled for a starting place with Robert Green and Joe Hart.
After Green’s mistake in the opening game against the USA, which ultimately cost the Three Lions the win, James was brought in and performed well in the remaining group fixtures.
The player’s contract will begin on August 1 after he completed a medical at the club on Friday.
Bristol City begin there campaign to try and reach the top flight against newly promoted Millwall at Ashton Gate on August 7.
Robins seal James deal
The deal will keep the former Portsmouth captain at Ashton Gate for a year with an option for an additional 12 months.
Earlier in the week it looked as though the 39-year-old would be moving to Scottish giants Celtic when he was set to go up to Glasgow to discuss terms.
However he failed to agree terms with the club, who then decided to state that they were no longer interested in the keeper just hours before he was confirmed as signing for City (11/2 to win promotion from the Championship) on Friday.
James was also linked with Premier League side Sunderland but the type of deal the Robins offered and the proximity to where the former Liverpool player lives seems to have been the deciding factors for the move.
The veteran keeper revealed that he had offers from clubs in the top flight but decided to take up the challenge at Ashton Gate.
He said: “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,” he added.
James played in three of England’s four World Cup games in South Africa this summer as he battled for a starting place with Robert Green and Joe Hart.
After Green’s mistake in the opening game against the USA, which ultimately cost the Three Lions the win, James was brought in and performed well in the remaining group fixtures.
The player’s contract will begin on August 1 after he completed a medical at the club on Friday.
Bristol City begin there campaign to try and reach the top flight against newly promoted Millwall at Ashton Gate on August 7.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.