DAVID STOCKDALE BECAME BLUES' FIRST SUMMER SIGNING OF 2017 AFTER PENNING A THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH THE CLUB.

Stockdale was out of contract at his former club, Brighton & Hove Albion, who wanted to keep the custodian but he chose to move to St. Andrew’s on a free transfer.

The Leeds-born player, was one of the most consistent players in the Sky Bet Championship in the 2016/17 season as he helped the Seagulls to the runners-up spot behind Newcastle United and elevation to the Premier League.

Standing 6ft 3in tall, Stockdale made 45 appearances for Chris Hughton's side during their promotion-winning campaign.

His performances saw him recognised by his professional peers as he was voted into The PFA Championship Team of the Year, as well as being included in the EFL Championship 2016/17 Team of the Season.

The former York City and Fulham keeper also celebrated promotion from the Championship during a loan stint at Hull City.

Stockdale made his Blues debut on 5 August 2017 away at Ipswich Town in a Sky Bet Championship fixture and went on to make a total of 39 appearances in his first campaign for the Club.