McCann's arrival pleases Lee
08 Jun 2007 - 14:24:29
Bolton Wanderers boss Sammy Lee has snapped up the industrious Aston Villa midfielder Gavin McCann on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, subject to the 29-year-old passing a medical.
McCann has been deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park by boss Martin O'Neill and Lee has moved quickly to entice him to Bolton.
Lee told the club's official website: "Gavin McCann's a positive signing for us. He's an experienced campaigner who knows the Barclays Premier League inside out.
"He has all the attributes you need for the modern game - a good passing range, excellent touch on the ball and optimum energy levels to cope with the rigours of the domestic game and our European campaign.
"I want to bring in quality signings over the summer to add to our already excellent squad, and Gavin has quality in abundance.
"It's going to be a demanding campaign with the UEFA Cup and we need to have the right quality required to make a real fist of every competition we enter.
"My philosophy is to create a culture where all players are fighting for their places. Competition for places across the squad is my objective, which will create a healthy environment going into the new campaign."
McCann joined Villa from Sunderland in 2003 and was a virtual ever-present under former manager David O'Leary.
The Scot made 129 appearances in his four seasons with the Midlands club following his transfer from Sunderland.