Carsley agrees Blues switch

Former Toffee to join St Andrews outfit

By James Pearson   Last updated: 19th May 2008

Lee Carsley Everton

Carsley: Agrees Blues switch

I feel I've done the next best thing and joined a club that's building for the future.

Carsley
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Birmingham City have agreed a two-year contract with free agent Lee Carsley following his exit from Everton.

The former Coventry and Blackburn midfielder left The Toffees after confirming he was keen on returning to the Midlands to be nearer his family.

Blues have now moved quickly to tie down Carsley's services by agreeing a two-year deal with the midfielder, who will complete his St Andrews move upon completing a routine medical.

Ironically Carsley's last goal for Everton came against Birmingham when the Merseysiders claimed all three points in a 3-1 success at Goodison in November.

With Birmingham back in the Championship following just one season in England's top-flight, Carsley's experience will be invaluable to manager Alex McLeish.

Challenge

Carsley confirmed that following six-and-a-half years at Everton the time had come for a new challenge.

As the former Republic of Ireland international felt he was not going to play for one of the Premier League's 'big four' he preferred dropping out of England's top-flight altogether rather than joining a struggler.

"I wanted a new challenge," Carsley told the club's official website.

"Being realistic, we finished fifth in the league with Everton so I wasn't going to go to any of the teams above them and I couldn't see the point of going to any of the teams below them.

"So I feel I've done the next best thing and joined a club that's building for the future and trying to get where Everton are.

"Even though I'm 34, I'm not looking to wind down. It was important to me that I made the right decision because at my age I can't afford to be making any mistakes."