Source: Daily_Mail
David James signs for Bristol City on one-year contract
Bristol City have signed England goalkeeper David James on a one-year contract. The 39-year-old, who made three appearances at the recent World Cup, passed a medical with the npower Championship side on Friday morning. James, who left Portsmouth following their relegation from the Premier League, also has the option of remaining at Ashton Gate for a further year. [LNB] City slicker: England international keeper James has signed for the Robins[LNB] James, who will be paraded at Ashton Gate on Saturday prior to City's pre-season friendly against Blackpool, said: 'I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football - which I love - for the right club and be a family man.[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Who do you want your club to bring in before the new season kicks off? The new football season starts in just a few weeks and teams are gearing up by rebuilding their squads. A number of leading stars - including Man City's Craig Bellamy (right) - are likely to move. So, ahead of the upcoming campaign, who do you want your side to bring in? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK 'I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League. [LNB]'The club is ambitious and that's what I am. The south west has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change.'[LNB]Lansdown was delighted to pull off such a major coup for the club and added: 'I'm delighted David James has agreed to sign today. [LNB]'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 new stadium. [LNB]'We need good quality players to make that happen and that's why I'm thrilled that David has agreed to come on board.'[LNB]James, who played in three of England's four World Cup matches, had been due to visit Celtic last week to discuss a possible move but was unable to attend for personal reasons. [LNB]No hard feelings: Hoops manager Lennon[LNB]Manager Neil Lennon insisted this had also been behind the keeper's decision to snub Parkhead for Ashton Gate, with James wanting to be closer to his family. [LNB]Asked if the 39-year-old still had what it took to perform at the highest level, Lennon said: 'Absolutely - he's England's number one. [LNB]'He's just played in the World Cup and he would have been ideal for us for what we're looking for in terms of experience and presence and charisma. He ticks all the boxes there. [LNB]'It's just one of these unfortunate things that happens sometimes in football.'[LNB]Lennon refused to criticise James' decision, insisting he did not think the player had made a mistake in resisting his overtures. [LNB]'No, not at all,' said the Hoops boss, who also missed out on Sol Campbell this week when the former England defender joined Newcastle. [LNB]'It's a personal reason, a genuine personal reason. It's not something to do with football and money, or anything like that.'[LNB] Celtic turn to ex-Germany keeper Hildebrand as bid to sign James stallsSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsBruce hopeful that Sunderland can snap up both Mensah and JamesFabio's Hart ache: Joe left in England limbo as Given returns for Man City[LNB][LNB]
