Any takers for this man !?

[Guest]

Tenacious and gritty little terrier. You just want to do a 'Benny Hill' tap on the head on him each time.

Lee Carsley has been released by Everton after he decided not to renew his deal with the club.

Carsley, 34, had made 184 appearances for the side since joining from Coventry in 2002, but wanted to move to a club closer to his Midlands home and his family.

"I'd like to thank Lee Carsley for his years at Everton," said Everton manager David Moyes, who was quick to pay tribute to the Republic of Ireland midfielder. "He has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in the last few seasons. Lee feels he now needs to be closer to his family and everyone at the club fully appreciates that."

Carsley has been linked with Derby, West Brom and Birmingham City.

[Guest]

Oops. Should have been posted in the General Football section.

[spud_gun]

[Guest]

No one dared to move that in the General Football forum.

Anyway, he's found a taker. Big fat nose Steve Bruce.

Edit. Steve Bruce is no longer manager of Birmingham.

Carsley signs for Birmingham City
Former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley
Midfielder Carsley joined Everton in 2002 from Coventry

Midfielder Lee Carsley has signed for relegated Birmingham City after he parted company with Everton.

The Republic of Ireland international turned down a new contract offer at Goodison Park, preferring to move closer to his family in the Midlands.

Carsley spent six years at Everton, helping them to finish fifth in the Premier League this season. "I've joined a club that's building for the future and trying to get where Everton are," said Carsley.

The 34-year-old, who has yet to undergo a medical, has signed a two-year deal at St Andrews.

Carsley joined Everton from Coventry City for £1.9m in 2002 and has been an integral member of David Moyes' side in the past year, missing just five of their 54 matches all season.


He has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in the last few seasons

Everton manager David Moyes on Lee Carsley

Carsley said he also received offers from Derby and newly promoted West Brom, but chose recently relegated Birmingham.

"My contract ran out at Everton and I was offered a new deal there but I felt like it was time to move on," Carsley told Birmingham City's official website.

"I wanted a new challenge and I didn't necessarily want to go to another Premier League club and struggle with them.

"I've left a club that's going to be playing in the Uefa Cup again next season so it's not something I've done lightly."

Carsley said he was impressed by City manager Alex McLeish's vision to bounce straight back into English football's top tier.

"Alex just came across to me as a winner and his visions for the club match my own," he said.

"I'll be putting everything into the next couple of years to make sure we get back in the Premier League."

Carsley played a key part in helping Everton gain Uefa cup qualification after finishing fifth in the 2007/08 Premier League campaign.


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But despite his decision to leave the Merseyside outfit, manager David Moyes said he had to ill feeling towards Carsley.

"I'd like to thank Lee Carsley for his years at Everton Football Club. He has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in the last few seasons," said Moyes.

"Lee feels he now needs to be closer to his family and everyone at the club fully appreciates that."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/7396978.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/7396978.stm

[Neil Young]

Tenacious and gritty little terrier. You just want to do a 'Benny Hill' tap on the head on him each time.

Oops. Should have been posted in the General Football section.

No one dared to move that in the General Football forum.

Anyway, he's found a taker. Big fat nose Steve Bruce.

Edit. Steve Bruce is no longer manager of Birmingham.

[Guest]

[Jayesh87]

[TheStig]