James agrees Bristol City stay

Former England goalkeeper David James has signed a new one-year deal at Championship club Bristol City.

The 40-year-old raised eyebrows when he moved to City after his contract at Portsmouth ended at the conclusion of the 2009/10 English Premier League season.

He played 46 times for the Robins as they finished 15th on the table, having qualified for a new deal after reaching an appearance clause in his initial contract.

The club announced on Wednesday that the shot-stopper had penned a new deal, pleasing manager Keith Millen.

“David proved his fitness last year being available for every game and he clearly sees us going in the right direction, pushing for promotion in the forthcoming season,” Millen said.

“That’s why he’s decided to sign the contract extension.”

A 53-cap international for England, James praised the way City overcame their ‘adversities’ last season.

Midfielders Neil Kilkenny and Yannick Bolasie have joined City from Leeds United and Plymouth respectively, while promising striker Ryan Taylor has signed from Rotherham United.

The signings have given James the confidence City is ready for a promotion push towards the English Premier League.

“The manager is getting a decent squad together with some hungry younger players coming on board, all hoping to challenge for first-team places straight away,” he said.

“The goal when I first joined was promotion and we had a tough battle, but we should be better for that experience.”

“I’m confident we can do good things this season, as I’ve been assuring City fans whenever I bump into them around the world.”