Goalkeeper Chris Weale vows to be a big hit at Leicester City

New boy Chris Weale says he wants to build on the legacy of Leicester City's goalkeeping greats.

The 27-year-old reported for pre-season training yesterday and reeled off a list of keepers who have worn the Leicester shirt with distinction.

Weale said: "The club has a great reputation for its goalkeepers, such as Gordon Banks, Peter Shilton, Ian Walker and Kasey Keller, so this is a fantastic opportunity for me."

Weale was wearing the No.1 shirt at training and manager Nigel Pearson has already said that the keeper will get his chance after being on the City boss' wish-list for some time.

Weale said: "The manager has said some positive things, but whether I keep the No.1 shirt depends on my performances.

"The aim is to get out of the Championship, but we won't go on talking about it – we need to do our talking on the pitch."

The former Bristol City and Yeovil man said joining City was his immediate intention once the club expressed an interest.

He said: "When I knew Leicester were keen, that was it for me. I had a few offers from other clubs but I knew this was the right place to be.

"It's been a very interesting summer because I also got married in June."

Weale said Bristol manager Gary Johnson wanted him to sign a new deal at Ashton Gate, but he had become increasingly frustrated at playing second-fiddle to Brazilian first-choice Adriano Basso.

Weale made just 10 starts since arriving at the club from Yeovil in 2006 and said: "They wanted to keep me but, in terms of my career, I wanted a fresh start."

Weale has also been hampered by injury problems in recent seasons, suffering cruciate knee ligament damage at Yeovil and then picking up wrist and back injuries at Bristol.

"When I was 18 I tried to map out my career and, if I look back, I suppose I've done okay," he said. "I've had a few injuries and want to put that all behind me now. It is in the past."

Weale established his reputation during a six-season spell at Yeovil as he helped them to gain Football League status and then promotion to League One.

Weale joined up with fellow new recruits Dany N'Guessan and Robbie Neilson, as well as Jack Hobbs, Wayne Brown and Astrit Ajdarevic, who have signed permanent deals after loan spells last season.

A day after chairman Milan Mandaric said City were looking to bring in another midfielder and striker, Pearson has also indicated there could be more transfer activity.

"There may be more wheeling and dealing to be done, but it is all about the balance of the squad," he told City's website.

"It is always good to get new people in but, like the players who were here before them, it is about them giving themselves the best chance. As long as we have competition for places, and it is healthy, that is going to be vital for us.

"To get success in any form you need to have a good squad ethic, and pre-season is the opportunity for the players to set their stall out."

Pearson said the first few days of pre-season would be spent assessing the players' fitness.

City teenager Joe Cobb has left the club to join former Leicester City manager Peter Taylor at League One newcomers Wycombe Wanderers.