Blues new boy Dean’s cheeky swipe at rivals
HARLEE Dean says Blues are ‘obviously the biggest club in Birmingham’ after joining from Brentford.
The 26-year-old defender became Harry Redknapp’s ninth signing of an incredibly busy summer after agreeing a three-year contract at St Andrew’s on Wednesday.
And Dean couldn’t resist a cheeky swipe at Blues’ Second City rivals Aston Villa during his first interview with club TV cameras.
“I’m over the moon,” said Dean. “It’s a massive club, obviously the biggest one in Birmingham. I’m hoping for success.”
Dean’s decision to join Blues brought to an end an almost six-year stay at Brentford and the defender insists it was Redknapp’s vision for the club which convinced him to reject other offers.
“Sometimes things run a course,” Dean added. “I love the club there and I’ve got nothing against it. The fans were brilliant to me.
“I just wanted a new chapter in my career really. I had offers from various clubs but speaking to Harry and speaking to the powers that be here, this was the obvious choice because of the direction that we’re going in. It’s a really exciting time to be a part of it.”
Dean’s arrival allowed Ryan Shotton’s move from Blues to Middlesbrough to be confirmed.
The 28-year-old went to Teesside for a medical and to discuss personal terms this week.
The £3 million move comes little more than a year after he signed permanently for Blues having enjoyed a positive spell on loan from Derby. Blues paid the Rams around £300,000 for a player who enjoyed an excellent first half of last season at centre-back.
Shotton has been on the brink of a switch for several weeks but has had to wait while Blues replace him.