Aston Villa FC

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Friedel seals Villa switch

26 Jul 2008 - 17:01:50

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Aston Villa have wrapped up the signing of veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 37-year-old has penned a three-year contract at Villa Park, with Rovers allowing Friedel to move on after they captured England international Paul Robinson from Spurs.

Rovers chairman, John Williams, admitted that he was shocked when Friedel asked to leave Ewood Park recently, saying: "When Brad told us he wanted to leave, it was a bolt out of the blue.

"He'd only signed his latest contract back in February and a replacement keeper hasn't even been on our radar. And on the football side, Brad Friedels don't grow on trees."

Friedel had been with Rovers for nearly eight years, having previously played in the Premier League with Liverpool. He made more than 350 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn.

Villa turned to Friedel after manager Martin O'Neill opted not to chase a permanent deal for Scott Carson, who impressed while on loan at Villa Park last season.

Carson, who has now joined West Bromwich Albion stated: "Villa had an option to buy me, but Martin O'Neill said he was a bit unsure, that he wanted to look for a more experienced keeper.

"I think he has done that with his move for Brad Friedel, which is fair enough."