Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett says the signing of goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is a statement of intent from the club ahead of the new Sky Bet Championship season.
The Blues secured the services of Kuszczak on a two-year deal following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers.Rowett believes the 33-year-old Pole is an ideal replacement for former stopper Darren Randolph, and is looking forward to seeing him demonstrate his leadership qualities.
"We worked very hard to get Tomasz in," Rowett told Birmingham's official website.
"I felt after losing Darren [Randolph] that we needed some real strength and know-how down the spine of the team, which is important.
"Tomasz is a real leader, and a strong player with a strong character. He's a very good goalkeeper. He conceded the fewest amount of goals in the Championship the year Brighton reached the Play-Offs. He's a very good addition to what we've got.
"You can't buy that experience he had with Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. He'll help the back four and the other goalkeepers.
"These are the types of players that we want to bring to the football club. I think we sold what we managed to achieve last season and where we want to head.”
Rowett guided Birmingham to a 10th-place finish in the Sky Bet Championship last term – winning 14 games - having taken the reins when the club were in the relegation places in late October 2014.