It has been confirmed that Aston Villa have signed left back Stephen Warnock from Blackburn on a 4 year deal and he’ll wear number 25.

He’s expected to be introduced to the Villa Park crowd during the Rapid Vienna game tonight, just as Brad Friedel was at the Odense game last year.

I’ve updated the transfer page with a fee of 7,000,000 for now – if anything more concrete turns up I’ll amend it 8,000,000.

Positive quotes from the player:-

The manager is buying some really talented players – young and ambitious – and I’m sure they will see that top four spot as a target and goal. Playing in Europe is important – playing against the top players on the continent is fantastic – and there’s no better stage to do that than on the Champions League. If we could do that, it would be a great achievement.

We’re in the Europa League now and that is hugely important, too. To play against great sides will be tremendous – just look at the likes of Celtic who will be involved in the competition now. If we can qualify for the group stages, we’ll be part of that. It’s a big night. After the result last week, it’s a must-win game against Rapid. I’m sure the lads will go in with plenty of confidence and I’m sure we’ll get the right result.

It will be interesting to see whether we’re really about to enter the season with three recognised left backs, or this means curtains for either Shorey or Bouma.