Parnaby: I want to start now!

Blues’ new signing Stuart Parnaby revealed in a press interview that he is really excited about the new season and wishes it were starting tomorrow.

Left out of the Middlesbrough line-up by Gareth Southgate, the 24-year old felt that it was time to move on from Boro after 14 years.

Taken on by them as a child, he worked his way through the youth system and a loan with Halifax Town before making his debut in September 2000.

He featured in Steve McLaren’s squad but had failed to make the right impression with Southgate, despite clocking up 21 appeareances in all competitions this season.

Parnaby is a versatile player and can fill in most positions across defence or midfield.

He states that his favoured place is right-back which will raise the interesting conundrum of whether Steve Bruce is thinking of Stephen Kelly as second choice for that spot, or whether he plans on Parnaby taking up a position in central defence.

Although he is a utility player, he clearly prefers a more settled position rather than being constantly moved about the pitch.

As far as the fans are concerned though, Parnaby is making the right noises about his arrival at St Andrew’s and they will be keen to see where and how he figures in the pre-season games.

From rumours currently circulating, it would appear that another new signing can be expected in the fairly near future.