Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Lee makes first signing

25 May 2007 - 07:14:58

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Sammy Lee has completed his first signing since becoming Bolton Wanderers manager after snapping up Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel on a free transfer.

Lee replaced Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium last month and has moved swiftly to land Samuel, who is out of contract at Villa Park.

The 26-year-old full back has made over 150 appearances for the Midlands club but has failed to hold down a first-team place this season.

The former England Under-21 international will official sign for Wanderers on July 1.

"I'm delighted that Jlloyd will join us and I think he will be an excellent signing," Lee told the club's official website.

"He's versatile and will offer us quality in a number of positions, which is vital for our squad.

"He's English, has youth on his side and I think he will give us a lot."

Samuel will be joined at the Reebok Stadium by fellow free agents Zoltan Harsanyi, Blerim Dzemali and Gerald Cid this summer and is hoping the move can kick-start his career.

"I was at Viilla for ten years and when you have been at a place for so long you become part of the furniture," he admitted.

"I felt like I needed a change and I'm sure that by coming up to Bolton I will get myself playing again. Bolton is the club to get my career back on track."