Taylor bound for Birmingham
Monday, February 2, 2004
Article summary
Martin Taylor has joined Birmingham City FC from Blackburn Rovers FC, who have signed Jonathan Stead.
Article body
List of qualities
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce was delighted to have acquired the 24-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract, in a deal worth €1.85m. "Martin Taylor appeals to me because he is versatile and young, he is English, 1.93m tall and he can play anywhere in defence," Bruce said. "He is very comfortable on the ball and I think he is an outstanding talent. If he gets confident, then we have a huge talent on our hands."
Mutual consent
Meanwhile, Birmingham have agreed to terminate the contract of American forward Jovan Kirovski by mutual consent. The 27-year-old has made just six substitute appearances this season, and is expected to return home to join Los Angeles Galaxy.
Trusty Stead
Blackburn have also been busy in the transfer market, paying over €1.45m to third division Huddersfield Town FC for the 20-year-old Stead, who has scored 20 goals this term. "It's really flattering that a big Premiership club have upped their offer again and again to sign me," said Stead, who has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract. "I'm really excited and I can't wait to start playing."
Andresen on loan
Blackburn have also signed Norwegian international midfield player Martin Andresen on loan for the rest of the season from Tippeligaen side Stabæk IF.
