Former Reading left-back Nicky Shorey is delighted with his move to Aston Villa.
"It's all come out of the blue a bit, but it's a great challenge for me. This is a massive club, and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"There were other clubs interested, but this is such a big club. Obviously I talked to the manager, and he's very positive and very ambitious. That's what I am, - especially after last season. I want to get back into the Premier League and show people what I can do."
The Londoner added: "When you talk to the manager you want to get a good feel for what he's trying to do, and I did straightaway with Martin. He made me feel at ease and made me feel wanted. That was a big factor."
