New signing Dean Marney has spoken at his delight after putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Fleetwood Town.
The 34-year-old midfielder joins the Cod Army following eight years at Premier League side Burnley, where he racked up over 200 appearances.
Marney also links up with former Clarets teammate Joey Barton – and says he can’t wait to get going at Highbury.
“I am over the moon to get this deal over the line,” said Marney.
“The deal came about through Joey [Barton], and he is someone I played with at Burnley. He is a player and a person I have great respect for, and having spoken with him throughout the summer, I know this is the place for me.
“Joey and the way he wants to go about things this season is a massive reason why I am at this football club if I am being honest.
“He is someone I managed to play quite a few games with and having spoken to a few people before coming here, they were saying nothing but positive things so for me the move was right.”
Marney comes to the club fit, after spending time at a top Championship club keeping himself in shape for the new campaign.
“I have had a bit longer on my own this pre-season and luckily enough for me, Steve Bruce at Aston Villa gave me the opportunity to get fit and train with the first team.
“That has helped me get fit and ready for when I signed for a club so now I will look to get minutes under my belt against Chorley [on Monday] and hopefully prove my fitness and just go on from there.
“I was saying to people before about how impressed I am with everything at this club, not just with the quality of the players, but also the people and the training ground.
“There is a buzz around the place and it’s nice to see.
“I will let people judge me when they come and watch me play, but all I can promise is that I will give my all to Fleetwood in every single training session and in every single game."