Standing - Merse's First Signing

By Neil Ravenscroft
May 27 2004

Paul Merson has made his first signing for the club - ex Brighton youngster, Bradford City and Aston Villa midfielder, Michael Standing.

Merson has been chasing Standing for a couple of weeks now, ever since Bradford said that any of their squad were free to seek other clubs, due to their financial state.

Standing has been described as a box to box midfielder by Merson, who has a high opinion of him from their time together at Villa.

Standing came from Brighton originally, and was picked up by Villa at the same time as Gareth Barry. The Midland club had to pay a hefty whack in compensation for the two players. Standing's career failed to blossom in the same way as Barry's and, after 4 ad a half years at Villa park, he left for Bradford.

He has been a bit player at Valley Parade this season, so it remains to be seen if Merson can bring the best out of a once very promising youngster and get his career back on track.

Standing has signed a one year contract.