Blues snare veteran Carsley
19 May 2008 - 16:19:25
Birmingham City have begun shaping their squad for the Championship next season after landing veteran midfielder Lee Carsley on a free transfer.
The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international turned down the offer of a new contract at Everton in favour of a two-year deal with the Blues.
Toffees boss David Moyes revealed the veteran former Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City player decided to end his association with the Merseyside club in favour of a move closer to his family home in the Midlands.
Carsley impressed manager Alex McLeish after scoring his only goal in the recently completed season against Birmingham in a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park back in November.
The experienced midfielder has made almost 500 appearances during a 16-year professional career.
"Lee feels he now needs to be closer to his family and everyone at the club fully appreciates that," admitted Moyes earlier on Monday.
"We'd like to thank him he's been a fantastic player on and off the field and he goes with my best wishes and we wish him all the best in the future."
