Willumsson sold on 'amazing' Birmingham City vibes

Image source, Richard Wilford - 麻豆社 Radio WM

Image caption, Willum Willumsson wore a Birmingham City shirt for the first time in Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at Shrewsbury
  • Author, Ged Scott
  • Role, 麻豆社 Sport England

Birmingham City new signing Willum Thor Willumsson says it did not take long for Blues to ease any doubts he had over dropping down a level to join a League One side.

The 25-year-old Icelandic midfielder admits that new manager Chris Davies and technical director Craig Gardner did a good job selling the relegated second city club to him.

But he was overwhelmed by the good vibes and rapturous reception he then received from the travelling Blues fans when he played 45 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at fellow League One side Shrewsbury.

"I never experienced this before," he told 麻豆社 Radio WM.

"It was amazing. I now cannot wait to play at our home stadium.

"If this is what there is to come, then it's great. And the fans have everything to be excited for this season.

"The goal is to help the club go straight back to the Championship and get this club where it is supposed to be."

Willumsson's arrival on a four-year deal from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles was the first of two seven-figure transfers inside 24 hours for big-spending Blues, who then signed centre-back Christoph Klarer from German Bundesliga 2 side Darmstadt.

"When I first heard about the approach I was a bit in doubt," Willumsson added. "But they then presented me the project.

"I spoke to Chris Davies and to Craig Gardner as well - and when I came here and saw the training ground, then there was no doubt in my mind. After that I was sold and I don't regret my decision.

"I can play 10, 8 or 6. I can cover the ground. The middle of midfield is where I feel the best - but really I will play wherever the coach wants me to play to help the team.

"I wanted to come to a club that is fighting for something and can achieve great things, with real competition to be in the starting XI."

Birmingham have also paid a seven-figure sum for Hearts full-back Alex Cochrane, as well as undisclosed fees for winger Emil Hansson and Charlton Athletic striker Alfie May.

And they have offset the loss of veteran John Ruddy to Newcastle United by signing two keepers, Ryan Allsop from Hull City and Bailey Peacock-Farrell from Burnley.