Defender arrives on four-year deal

Sunderland AFC today confirmed the signing of defender Danny Collins
from Chester City. The 24-year-old has joined the Black Cats for a £140,000 fee, until June 2008.

Collins moved to Chester City from Welsh side Buckley Town in 2001 and spent a successful loan spell with Unibond Premier League side Vauxhall Motors, where he played his part in their shock FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers.

He was selected to play for the National Game XI, earning caps against Holland in March 2003 and Italy in September 2003.

Chester say that several clubs wanted to sign the youngster but that Sunderland were successful with a better offer than any other side. He had been offered improved terms by CCFC manager Ian Rush, but specifically asked to open negotiations with Sunderland.

Danny expressed his delight at the completion of the deal: "I'm delighted to be given the chance to come to Sunderland. It's like a Premiership club. Playing against Sunderland in the Carling Cup earlier this season, I could see that the ground was quality and I thought then that I'd like to be playing here every week. It was a good experience although we lost 3-0. It gave me a good incentive to want to join the Club."

Manager Mick McCarthy added: "Danny is a good young player whose versatility will give us options at the back. He's signed for three and a half years - there's a few of our younger players on longer contracts now which I think is important for the future of the club."