Leicester City net goalkeeper Chris Weale
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson today sealed the signature of Bristol City goalkeeper Chris Weale.
Weale's arrival at the Walkers Stadium on a pre-contract agreement comes just a week after City secured the services of Hearts skipper Robbie Neilson.
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Chris Weale
Pearson said: "Chris is a player who we have monitored and has been on our wish-list for quite a while now.
"He has had limited opportunities at Bristol City and, following a successful loan period at Yeovil, we are delighted to secure his services. He is desperate to succeed here at Leicester and we believe he has the ability and the mental strength to do just that."
Weale, 27, has been restricted to just 10 starts since arriving at Ashton Gate in 2006.
He had previously spent five years at Yeovil and was back at the Glovers last season after first-choice keeper Josh Wagenaar was sent off in a League One game against Brighton.
During the loan period,Weale headed in a late equaliser to earn Yeovil a 2-2 draw at home to Hereford with his strike winning Sky Sports' 'Goal of the Week' and beating the likes of Robinho and Fernando Torres.
Weale made his League debut as a Yeovil player – it is also his home-town club – in October 2000 and made 160 appearances as the Somerset club secured Football League status.
He joined Bristol City under the Bosnan ruling in the summer of 2006 but, thanks to the consistent form of Brazilian keeper Adriano Basso has failed to hold down a regular place in their side.
He joins Leicester on the same day that Australian keeper Paul Henderson is one of five senior players released by City.
The goalkeeping position at City proved problematic last season. They used six keepers – Henderson, David Martin, Carl Pentney, Mark Bunn, Tony Warner and David Stockdale.
Martin, Bunn and Stockdale have returned to Liverpool, Blackburn and Fulham respectively although Stockdale has said he would "jump at the chance" of returning to the Walkers Stadium.
City midfielder Andy King is expected to make his debut for Wales against Estonia at Llannelli this evening.
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by Richard Hart, Dorset
Tuesday, June 02 2009, 8:16AM
“Bit dissa[pointed with this signing- I wonder if this lad will sit on the bench? I liked the look of Stockdale and Turnbull at Boro gets excellent reviews for his 20 or so prem appearances. Bring on Cox and the lad from Lincoln really does look exciting- check out the video clips.”
by Les, Bristol
Friday, May 29 2009, 2:08PM
“The following comment from a Bristol City season ticket holder I know....."Good in the air but awful at getting down to low shots. Promised a lot, delivered little. Always injured so expect high medical bills. Spent two years with us on the physio's couch."
Time will tell !!”
by Alex, Leicester
Friday, May 29 2009, 12:07PM
“As long as he's got a strong kick, good at crosses and is safe hands then I'm sure he'll do a good job. But I still hope we can sign Stockdale for the season. That would be enough for all defensive positions.
Now to Simon Cox!...”
by Johno, London
Friday, May 29 2009, 11:23AM
“Don't worry Paresh, this guy is more renowned scoring rather than his "safe hands"... I believe he popped up to score a late equaliser for Yeovil earlier this year.
We've needed a solid permanent keeper for a few years now. But to be honest, someone who did not make an appearance for Bristol City in 3 seasons doesn't really get me excited. I hope Big Nige has another coupe up his sleeve, or proves me wrong.”
by alexdinho, Leicester
Friday, May 29 2009, 10:50AM
“wheeey, finally a keeper! ! he'll be good backup for gigi buffon who rumoured to be have a medical at the walkers today =P”