Poom makes Hornets switch
26 May 2007 - 19:57:51
Watford have signed veteran goalkeeper Mart Poom from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.
The 35-year-old Estonia international has penned a two-year contract with the Hornets and will take the place of Ben Foster, who has returned to Manchester United at the end of his second season-long loan.
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd told the club's official website: "Mart's signing brings a calming and steadying influence in what is a key position and obviously he has to fight it out with Richard Lee for the place.
"He's a terrific goalkeeper with a wonderful pedigree and I think he will be a great signing for us.
"He's been at Derby, Sunderland and Arsenal and his age is no factor, that's just a number. He's a terrific specimen and he's not played for a year which will make him fresher still.
"He's got that spring that you look for in a goalkeeper and I think he'll be a terrific acquisition."
Poom moved to England more than a decade ago to join Portsmouth and went on to impress with Derby County and Sunderland before joining the Gunners in the summer of 2005.
He made just two first-team appearances for Arsenal, with his only start coming in the goalless draw with Pompey on the final day of the season just ended.