Bristol City state ambition with the signing of David James

David James has given The Robins the thumbs up on a surprise move to the Championship club

Bristol City have confirmed that they have captured the signature of England goalkeeper David James on a free transfer. James has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal with the club, a move that is a sure signal of The Robins’ ambition this season. James, who turns 40 this weekend, took over England’s goalkeeping mantle at the World Cup following Robert Green’s embarrassing howler against the USA in England’s opening game of the tournament. He was one of a minority of players that escaped criticism on return from South Africa, and now has his sights firmly set on helping Bristol City achieve promotion into the Premier League.

A statement on the club's official website read:

Bristol City FC have agreed a deal to sign England international goalkeeper David James. The 39-year old passed a medical at Ashton Gate today (Friday) and has agreed a one-year deal with an option of a further year.

James turned down interest from SPL runners-up Celtic as well as Steve Bruce’s Sunderland to become a part of the setup at Ashton Gate, and has confirmed that the chance to be a part of an historic period at the club was too good an opportunity to pass by. “I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League”, James said. “The club is ambitious and that is what I am”.

Many people expected James to make the move north and join Neil Lennon at Celtic, but having called off negotiations due to ‘personal problems’, James has decided that his future belongs in England, and for the time being, in Bristol. This is certainly the first small step towards achieving what City narrowly missed out on last season, as a poor start to the 2008/09 campaign ultimately cost them a place in the play-offs. They eventually went on to finish a very respectable 10th, but chairman Steve Lansdown and manager Steve Coppell will be aiming for better this time around.

There is certainly a fair amount of money knocking around at Bristol City, and Steve Lansdown is very clear on where he wants his club to be.

My ambition is for this football club to play at the highest level – the Premier League – and in the best surroundings, hence the work on the training ground and the new stadium. We need good quality players to make that happen and that’s why I’m thrilled that David has agreed to come on board.

So what do we think – Can Bristol City launch another play-off challenge or was last season as good as it will get for them? Vote at wdkf.co.uk!